While just about anything can trigger an allergic reaction, some things (like a bee sting, peanuts, and certain foods) are more likely to trigger allergic reactions than others. An allergist can perform a skin test or a blood test to determine whether you are allergic to whiskey. Some people can experience an allergic reaction to allergic reaction to whiskey alcohol, but this is extremely rare. Some alcohol contains egg, milk, or fish protein, which can cause an allergic reaction in 10% of people with asthma. Alcohol can cause hives, as well as a rash on the skin, in some people. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if you are suffering from nausea or vomiting.
- If you suspect you are reacting, make a note of the type of drink (and anything else consumed at the same time) and whether or not you took exercise.
- In addition to physical and mental impairment, flushed skin, nausea, and headaches are typical bodily reactions to alcohol consumption.
- We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery.
- Although red wine is especially high in histamines, all alcoholic beverages have high levels of histamine.
- Having a mild intolerance to alcohol or something else in alcoholic beverages might not require a trip to a doctor.
- The nutritional value of vodka is almost zero in terms of vitamins and minerals.
If they are not sure what is causing your symptoms, they might want you to see an allergist, a healthcare provider that specializes in allergies and asthma. If you have symptoms after drinking beer and you’re not sure why, your provider can help you figure out what the problem is. There are several ways to diagnose an alcohol allergy or intolerance. Food intolerance occurs when your digestive system has a hard time with a particular food. With intolerance or sensitivity, your digestive system gets irritated by certain foods or has trouble digesting them. Allergies occur when the body responds to an allergen (for example, an ingredient in beer).
Management and Treatment
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and which alcoholic drinks cause them. The doctor may ask about a history of allergies in you or close family members. You will also be examined physically to look for signs of conditions that may cause alcohol intolerance.
If you are suffering from an ALDH2 deficiency, drinking alcohol may cause your face to become red and warm. Red wine has a higher histamine content than white wine or beer. If you have allergies to liquor, you might get red flushes on your face, neck, chest, or arms when you drink.
Why can’t my body process alcohol?
It only occurs when your immune system overreacts to alcohol entering the body and starts to produce antibodies. Symptoms can range from a mild itchy mouth or eyes to swelling and anaphylaxis. Yeasts are a possible cause of a true allergic reaction to alcoholic drinks. However, studies show that there are only low levels of yeast allergens present in alcoholic drinks. This is present in many alcoholic drinks, particularly red wines, and can cause headache, flushing, nasal symptoms, gut symptoms or asthma. Some people are particularly intolerant of histamine because of a deficiency in the breakdown and elimination of histamine from the body.
