Author: Alex Thompson

Alcohol Intolerance: Symptoms, Sudden Onset & Later in Life Intolerance

If someone believes they have an alcohol allergy or intolerance, they should stop drinking alcoholic drinks and visit their healthcare provider for testing and advice. The only way to avoid alcohol intolerance symptoms or an allergic reaction is to avoid alcohol or the particular beverage or ingredients that cause the problem. For a minor reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help reduce symptoms, such as itching or hives. For mild intolerances, you should either avoid alcohol, limit how much you drink or avoid certain types of alcohol with ingredients that may cause a reaction.

Examples of conditions that can cause alcohol intolerance or sensitivity are outlined below. It won’t go away, but by taking some precautions, you can avoid the symptoms and enjoy a healthy, active life. If a person is allergic to a particular ingredient found in some drinks, they could switch to drinks that do not contain it.

Alcohol Allergy vs. Alcohol Intolerance

No, alcohol intolerance is not the same as being intoxicated or drunk. Alcohol intolerance doesn’t mean you become drunk faster or after drinking less alcohol. And the condition does not increase your blood alcohol level, either. Often, people with alcohol intolerance drink less, because the symptoms they experience are so unpleasant.

Alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition where an individual’s digestive system cannot properly break down the substance. A person’s tolerance may also change over time due to a decline in body mass in older adults. This may result in higher concentrations of alcohol in the blood and more significant effects from drinking.

Management and Treatment

An allergy or intolerance to alcohol is not always responsible for symptoms occurring after drinking alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol intolerance can make a person feel uncomfortable. With an alcohol allergy, a person’s immune system overreacts to alcohol.

1. The only way to avoid alcohol intolerance symptoms or an allergic reaction is to avoid alcohol or the particular beverage or ingredients that cause the problem.
2. The medication epinephrine, commonly called an EpiPen, can help treat a severe allergic reaction.
3. And the condition does not increase your blood alcohol level, either.
4. Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition in which the body is unable to break down alcohol efficiently.
5. In rare instances, an unpleasant reaction to alcohol can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem that requires diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention

The medication epinephrine, commonly called an EpiPen, can help treat a severe allergic reaction. Very rarely, a person may have a “true” alcohol allergy, meaning they are allergic to the ethanol in alcohol. In people with true alcohol allergy, as little as 1 milliliter (mL) of pure alcohol can trigger an allergic reaction. Combining alcohol with certain medications also can cause reactions. Sulfites are preservatives, and most countries permit their addition to alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine. However, some people may experience allergy-like reactions after consumption.

How common is alcohol intolerance?

Certain events in a person’s life or lifestyle factors could also trigger an intolerance. Tolerance results from drinking substantial amounts of alcohol over long periods of time. Moreover, if a person has a serious reaction after drinking alcohol, they should consult a doctor sooner to determine what may be causing their symptoms.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. People may be unable to drink alcohol without feeling sick as a result of a hangover, lack of sleep or food, or alcohol intolerance. An alcohol intolerance occurs when someone’s body lacks the enzymes to suitably digest alcohol.

Avoid the beverage or beverages that seem to cause your reaction until your doctor’s appointment. If you do drink a beverage that causes a mild reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines may help relieve symptoms. For a more severe reaction—severe skin reaction, weak pulse, vomiting, or trouble breathing—seek emergency help right away. Unfortunately, the only treatment for alcohol intolerance is avoiding alcohol. No drug will help you avoid the symptoms of alcohol intolerance or lessen your cancer risk.