Have you been wondering, “can you be allergic to alcohol?” In short, yes, you can be allergic to alcohol. The chances of developing an allergic reaction can increase when you binge drink or involve yourself in heavy drinking. There can be effects of alcohol consumption that aren’t bringing pleasure and can cause dangerous circumstances.
When you ingest alcohol, your body considers it a potential foreign threat to various organs. Alcohol intolerance could occur, but it is rare to be seen regarding allergies. The no tolerance from your immune system denotes that there are chances of true allergies. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and symptoms of allergy show that these alcoholic drinks aren’t suitable for you.
You can seek mental health treatment from medical professionals as they have extensive experience to help you get rid of alcohol addiction. Having an alcohol problem and allergy to it is something worst-case scenario and seeking help for it is a brave move.
Symptoms of Alcohol Allergies
Some of the symptoms that show you are allergic to alcohol are the following:
- Severe rashes
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness
- Runny nose and stuffiness
- Facial redness (flushing)
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red, itchy skin bumps (hives)
Potential Harmful Effects of Alcohol
There can be digestive tract issues in breaking down alcohol. When alcohol conversion takes time, it could lead to a severe hangover. A serious allergy can occur, and to treat it, you can count on antihistamines; if the allergy doesn’t go away, you should consult a healthcare provider. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause an allergic reaction if you have a specific genetic condition.
People who are alcohol intolerant may experience significant, unpleasant effects when drinking. Nasal congestion and skin flushing are the most typical symptoms and indicators. Alcohol intolerance is a hereditary disorder that prevents the body from effectively metabolizing alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal is the only way to stop these adverse side effects.
What appears to be alcohol intolerance in some circumstances—even if it is not a true alcohol allergy—may actually be your body’s reaction to a substance in alcoholic beverages, such as chemicals, grains, or preservatives. Some medications and alcohol can interact negatively. It is a known fact that the metabolic reaction tends to be different in women and men. This disorder affects 8.9 percent of women and 5.2 percent of men.
Alcohol Allergy and Alcohol Intolerance
People frequently confuse alcohol intolerance with an alcohol allergy; however, these two conditions differ. Alcohol intolerance is a genetically predisposed condition linked to the digestive system. Alcohol allergy, on the other hand, is an immune system response.
In this condition, an alcohol component causes an individual’s immune system to overreact. The signs of alcohol intolerance include nausea, headache, urticaria at the skin of the chest, uncomfortable hot flush digestive tract, and alcohol poisoning showing up that you have intolerance or allergy to alcohol.
Symptoms of Alcohol Intolerance
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Runny nose
- Asthma
How Does the Body React to Allergens?
Developing an allergy to alcohol isn’t a permanent or true allergy; it could be because of a reaction to a substance present in your alcoholic drink. The grains and specific chemicals in the glass can be the reason above all. You can schedule a check-up with a medical professional, as visiting a doctor helps you better understand.
The alcohol allergy tends to be serious as it can take you to anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis can make your immune system release a substance that would lead a person to complete shock. The shock involves a weak pulse, nausea, and low blood pressure. All those who go through intolerance also experience histamine activation resulting in allergies.
Genetic Predisposition
This metabolic abnormality is hereditary. The processes through which your body converts and uses energy inside the body are ultimately impacted by metabolic diseases. It is an inherited disorder passed down in your family if you inherited an illness or disorder from your parents.
There is a gene mutation that persists in the family genetics and causes this particular condition. It is occasionally possible to need what your parents did not have because of genetics. There are rare cases of getting allergic to alcohol and are due to an inherited genetic mutation.
Treatment Options
When you or your loved one is going through challenging circumstances, you can choose to get treatment from Alcohol Addiction treatment. Our detox program is administered by a medical staff that focuses on caring for you 24/7; you will get recovery against triggers of alcohol.
It is doable to stay there for a few days and even a month. No matter how long the stay lasts, patients who enter the facility will be given a comprehensive treatment plan. Patients will have around-the-clock care and be protected from shady triggers.
Get Professional Help at The Recovery Team
The Recovery Team New Jersey offers a comprehensive range of substance addiction and mental health treatment services. Our medical experts follow a holistic approach and new practices to help you with alcohol use disorders.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), seek medical help from us right away by dialing (800) 817-1247.
