The ingestion of alcohol may be fatal for some. Even a single drop could trigger a life-threatening attack. About 2 million Americans suffer from alcohol intolerance due to the enzymes and ingredients present in it.

Mechanism of the reaction

Alcohol is nothing but toxic in our body. Allergy occurs as a result of the body’s inability to tolerate the contents of the alcoholic beverage. Here are the reasons why people experience allergic reactions after alcohol consumption:

• The enzyme ALDH Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in the liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol into acetic acid, a less harmful substance. However, some people have an alteration or even deficiency of this enzyme and therefore alcohol cannot be metabolized causing intoxication.
• ALDH is also responsible for breaking down histamine—the same chemical produced by the degranulation of mast cells during an allergic reaction. Hence, people who have mutations of this enzyme have a greater risk of pooling of histamine in the system. Ingestion of alcohol could only amplify the problem as the yeast that is present in beers, wine, and other distilled beverages also produces a significant amount of histamine during fermentation.

The severity of the reaction varies among people. Histamine in alcohol could produce symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis. The most notable symptoms are flushing (redface), warmth, nasal congestion, palpitations and lightheadedness. Asthma exacerbations may arise as a result from drinking alcohol. Among alcoholic beverages, wine is found to be the most common culprit in triggering asthma. Sulphur dioxide or sulphites is the main preservative in red and white wine. They work by inhibiting the growth of yeast that causes spoilage. However, a number of asthma sufferers reported wheezing and asthma exacerbations after or while drinking wine. This is mainly due to the presence of sulphites and not the alcohol itself. If left untreated, the allergy could lead to anaphylaxis.

What your Doctor can do for you

Skin tests may be helpful in diagnosing alcohol allergy, but is not always reliable. Alcohol challenges however, are more consistent, with the aid of a medical history and physical assessment. Treatment for alcohol allergy is only temporary and is aimed primarily at managing the symptoms and preventing complications. Mild symptoms are managed with antihistamines. Emergency measures are done to relieve a patient experiencing severe asthma or anaphylaxis.

What you can do

Allergy-prevention tips urge you to avoid the culprit. As much as possible quit drinking. Avoid wine and alcohol products if you know that they trigger an asthma/ allergy attack. There are already a number of wines without the preservatives that causes the allergy. But have yourself tested first with what you are allergic to.