by William Menna

Created on: March 25, 2010

There are plenty of well-known negative effects of alcohol.  When used in excess, it can impair judgment and inhibitions.  When used at inappropriate times, it can lead to drunk driving.  Yet, in some people alcohol is more than just a drug - it is an allergen.  An alcohol allergy can be of varying severity from mild and uncomfortable to intense and dangerous.  Alcohol intolerance may be mistaken for an allergy as it involves similar symptoms.

Though they sometimes exhibit similar symptoms, it is important to differentiate between an alcohol allergy and alcohol intolerance.  An allergy can bring about actual harm and danger, whereas an intolerance only creates unpleasant symptoms.  According to the Mayo Clinic, in alcohol intolerance the body lacks the ability to process the drug.  When it is an allergy, the drug inspires an unnecessary immune response in which the body treats it as a disease or infection.

In people with an alcohol allergy, symptoms after consuming the substance can include hives, a rash, swelling, or other skin reactions.  Alcohol allergy symptoms also include redness, swelling or itchiness of the face; vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive malaise; and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat leading to wheezing or difficulty breathing. In severe food allergies, severe symptoms of shock can also occur.

When dealing with an alcohol intolerance, symptoms may similarly include hives, flushing of the skin, or some other form of skin rash.  Other alcohol intolerance symptoms may include nasal congestion and runny nose, a headache, digestive discomfort, and acid reflux, per to the Mayo Clinic.  Anyone can be affected, but the BBC reports that people of Asian descent face a disproportionately high risk of suffering from alcohol intolerance; as many as half of all Asians may experience alcohol intolerance.

An allergic reaction to an alcoholic beverage may be entirely unrelated to alcohol.  Other components of these drinks like wheat, gluten, or fruits can promote similar reactions to the symptoms of alcohol allergy.  In particular, conditions like celiac disease involves a reaction to gluten which is found in beer, for example.  When consumed, this can promote bloating, diarrhea, and digestive discomfort, but it is unrelated to alcohol.

In addition to the common negative effects of drinking alcohol, in some people it can cause an allergic reaction.  Symptoms of alcohol allergy include rashes, swelling, itchiness, and difficulty breathing.  An intolerance can promote similar symptoms, though it is far less serious.  Any questions about alcohol allergy and intolerance should be directed to a doctor.

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