What is alcohol intolerance, and what are its symptoms?

If they confirm alcohol intolerance or allergy, they can suggest the best way to manage it. The doctor may also do allergy tests to rule out an alcohol allergy or other sensitivities. It’s important to know if your symptoms are from intolerance or an allergy. An alcohol allergy affects the immune system and can cause serious problems like swelling or trouble breathing.

Wine and Beer

Alcohol drinks can contain allergens (such as egg proteins or wheat) that can cause symptoms. If you have alcohol use disorder (AUD), your liver may not be able to break down alcohol without difficulty. According to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, True alcohol allergies are quite rare, under 1% of the global population.

Can alcohol intolerance develop suddenly?

Unlike allergies, this isn’t about the immune system at all—it’s really about how your body processes alcohol. Many people with alcohol intolerance have a deficiency in an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). So when someone with this deficiency drinks alcohol, a toxic substance called acetaldehyde builds up in their body instead of breaking down properly. This can lead to some pretty uncomfortable reactions, like flushing (you’ll most likely notice a red face), nausea, headaches, and even digestive issues like stomach pain or diarrhoea. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

What are symptoms of alcohol intolerance?

• Alcohol intolerance is due to genetic enzyme deficiencies, like ALDH2, that prevent the proper metabolism of alcohol’s byproducts.
• Alcohol intolerance is a problem with how the body processes alcohol, while an alcohol allergy involves the immune system.
• A 2010 German questionnaire surveyed 4,000 people and found that self-reported wine intolerance specifically was present in 5.2% of men and 8.9% of women.

Alcohol intolerance is something that causes immediate, uncomfortable reactions whenever you drink any kind of alcohol. The most common symptoms include flushing red skin, inflammation, a stuffy nose or watery eyes. Antihistamines can help to reduce the intensity and severity of the symptoms alcohol intolerance causes. While this over-the-counter option can make you feel better, it is not actually treating the underlying problem but just masking it.

• For those with genetically-caused alcohol intolerance, the most straightforward approach is to avoid alcohol altogether, preventing the onset of symptoms.
• If you cannot stop drinking on your own, seek treatment as soon as possible.
• Chronic alcohol use also can damage the brain and exacerbate the effects of certain diseases.
• Although alcohol intolerance cannot be prevented, individuals manage symptoms by avoiding alcohol or choosing low-sulfite options to reduce reactions.
• There are several different types of alcohol tolerance (as well as alcohol intolerance), but the most common is functional tolerance.

Alcohol intolerance is a condition where someone reacts negatively to alcohol and is caused by the way their body metabolizes (or breaks down) alcohol. Unlike the expected effects of alcohol that most people experience, those with alcohol intolerance may face immediate and uncomfortable symptoms even after consuming small amounts. Given that even small amounts of alcohol can trigger allergic reactions, the safest course of is alcohol intolerance dangerous action is to avoid alcohol altogether. Be mindful of hidden sources of alcohol in foods, medications, and personal care products. Alcohol can intensify the symptoms of an allergic reaction, making it harder to manage the condition.

These physical signals can be alarming, especially for someone with a previously drug addiction treatment normal response to alcohol. Sudden onset intolerance often leads people to seek medical advice to understand the root cause of this abrupt change. While genetic testing can confirm alcohol intolerance, it’s more commonly diagnosed based on symptoms. Doctors may also perform tests to rule out an alcohol allergy, as this can cause similar symptoms. If alcohol intolerance is diagnosed, no further testing is typically required.