In rare instances, exposure to sulfites has been known to cause a potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergy known as anaphylaxis. Antihistamines like Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) can help alleviate histamine intolerance symptoms. However, the best treatment is the avoidance of histamine in the foods we consume, including alcohol. Things get more complicated when it comes to distilled alcohol. Gin, vodka, and whiskey are all made from gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. Unless gluten-containing flavorings are added after the distillation process, distilled spirits are considered gluten-free.
Alcohol Allergy
If you might have a beer allergy, a provider would use common ingredients in beer (e.g., wheat and barley) for the test. If you are allergic to these ingredients, your skin will itch or you’ll get a rash during the test. Anaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction possible with any allergy, including beer or its ingredients. Even if you only have mild symptoms of alcohol intolerance, you should avoid alcohol. Research has shown that some people with mild symptoms of intolerance can get used to the symptoms of excess acetaldehyde in their bodies. However, acetaldehyde is still highly toxic and can significantly increase the risk of cancer.
Management and Treatment
The same applies to distilled alcohol made from wheat if you have a wheat allergy. Suppose your allergy test results are inconclusive or negative. In that case, your doctor may recommend a challenge test involving drinking a small amount of beer under medical supervision to see if you develop an allergic reaction.
What Is an Alcohol Allergy?
- That’s because beer contains histamine, produced during fermentation (yeast converts sugars to alcohol).
- Beer allergy is relatively rare, and diagnosis requires a medical evaluation, including skin prick testing or blood tests.
- However, for your own health and safety you should do your absolute best to avoid the specific allergens and ingredients found in beer that you are reactive to.
- These include itchy or flushed skin, red eyes, facial swelling, runny nose, and congestion.
Red wine contains high levels of histamine and may cause headaches, congestion, and itching in people with histamine intolerance. People often mistake alcohol allergies for alcohol intolerance. Alcohol intolerance is a rare condition in which your body cannot process alcohol correctly, signs of beer allergy leading to a build-up of a chemical called acetaldehyde. High levels of acetaldehyde are what cause the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol intolerance. The doctor would first ask you to describe the symptoms you experience after drinking a beer, and then likely follow up with a skin test.
What is a Beer Allergy and Intolerance?
- Normally your body produces an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) to break histamine down.
- If you’ve ever experienced anaphylaxis after drinking beer, it’s important that you determine which ingredient caused it so you can avoid it all together.
- If you have a wheat allergy, you can drink beer that is made with barley but not wheat.
- Even less common is an allergy or intolerance to corn-based liquors like bourbon.
- Someone with an alcohol allergy has an allergic reaction when exposed to alcohol or to a component of alcohol.
- This prescription device has a concealed needle that injects a single dose of epinephrine when you press it against your thigh.
Additionally, certain alcoholic beverages, such as wine, may contain sulfites and other additives that can trigger allergic-like symptoms in sensitive individuals. Sulfites are commonly used as preservatives in wine and can induce respiratory symptoms, skin reactions, and headaches. Other additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, may also exacerbate allergic-like responses in some people. Symptoms of an alcohol allergy include rashes, itchiness, swelling and severe stomach cramps. Allergy symptoms are often more painful and uncomfortable than alcohol intolerance symptoms. In rare cases, if untreated, an alcohol allergy can be life-threatening.
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- The primary cause of beer intolerance isn’t the presence of GMOs but the body lacking the enzymes to process alcohol or other ingredients.
- They can help determine if you’re allergic to a specific ingredient in the beer.
- Beer allergy symptoms can range from moderate to severe; in some cases, they can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal illness.
- It’s often the case that a person with a drinking problem may not know it.
- Your healthcare provider can recommend ways to limit unpleasant symptoms.
- The same applies to distilled alcohol made from wheat if you have a wheat allergy.
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 providers. An allergy to alcohol has a very different cause from alcohol intolerance. Someone with an alcohol allergy has an allergic reaction when exposed to alcohol or to a component of alcohol. Often, it is not actually an allergy to alcohol itself but to a component of the alcohol, like grapes or hops.
After experiencing an allergic reaction to alcohol, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing alcohol allergies or intolerances. To prevent future allergic reactions, it is recommended to avoid alcohol entirely if you have confirmed alcohol allergies. These reactions can range from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening situations – which is why being aware of the symptoms is absolutely crucial. A beer allergy is a type of food allergy, so the effects are similar.
Spotting the signs of an adverse reaction to alcohol
