Booze Allergy??
Booze Allergy??
-
-
-
-
-
Booze Allergy??
-
Post #1 - November 14th, 2007, 1:06 pmI have been hard-pressed to pinpoint the source of my "allergy," and am wondering if anyone experiences symptoms like these when imbibing:
A few years ago, when I was still in school, I used to be able to go out and hang with the best of them. Beer, wine, whatever, you name it, I chugged it. No problems whatsoever except for the occasional hangover.
Since I have been back in the "real world," my drinking habits have dropped off considerably. I started noticing that whenever I drank vodka and cran or martinis, after 2 or 3 sips my throat would start to get tight, my face flushed and I felt like I was on fire. I also got this nasty rash all over my chest and sometimes my face. So, I stopped drinking vodka, because I figured that was the problem and I wasn't having any problems with beer or wine.
NOW, in the past month or so, I get this way after any type of drink. I could be a few sips into a bottle of good old Miller Lite, and I'm getting blotchy. I could be drinking a glass of $75 a bottle wine, and I'm getting blotchy.
I know the obvious solution is to quit drinking, and having admitted defeat, I've pretty much stopped. But on a more logical level-- what the hell is wrong with me?? Is it a grain allergy? Is it sulfur? Is it gluten? Does anyone have ANY ideas?
THANKS!
-
-
Post #2 - November 14th, 2007, 1:33 pmWhile I sympathize with your situation, this would probably be a question for your doctor, not a food forum.
Jamie
-
-
Post #3 - November 14th, 2007, 2:15 pmMy doctor has no idea what to tell me.
-
-
-
Post #4 - November 14th, 2007, 2:38 pmI used to experience similar symptoms, but they've magically gone away. I know this has been discussed here before (though I may be thinking of a discussion on chowhound or egullet). In any case, this is definitely something that you should talk to a doctor about. I'd recommend seeing a dermotologist if your regular doctor cannot help. In my case, the dermotologist said I shouldn't be concerned, but I certainly wouldn't assume anything without talking to a doctor yourself.
-
-
-
Post #5 - November 14th, 2007, 5:49 pmJames Li, M.D. Mayo Clinic Asthma and Allergy specialist on alcohol allergies: (answering virtually the same questions you had)
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than are others. However, this doesn't mean you have an alcohol allergy.
A true food allergy involves your immune system. In such cases, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or a component of that food as a harmful substance. Your immune system triggers certain cells to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight the "enemy" food or food component. Signs and symptoms of food allergy include tingling in the mouth, hives, breathing difficulties and swelling of your lips, tongue or throat.
An alcohol allergy would be very uncommon. However, you could be allergic to other ingredients in an alcoholic beverage, such as wheat or sulfur dioxide, a preservative. There are also substances in some alcohol beverages such as wine that can cause flushing or even rashes.
Still, it's more likely that you have an alcohol intolerance — which means you are more sensitive to the normal effects of alcohol. Alcohol can cause a variety of immediate adverse effects on the body, including headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, nasal congestion or warm, red, itchy skin.
Many people of Asian descent experience an unusual flushing reaction after drinking alcohol — even in very small amounts. This is caused by a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to break down alcohol completely. Some research suggests that people who experience alcohol flush reaction may be at increased risk of alcohol-related conditions, such as cancer of the esophagus and liver disease.
The only solution to all of these problems is to avoid alcohol.
one thing to try would be a gluten-free beer or vodka. I have no idea if this is your actual problem, but it very may well be. Although, many people experience intolerance to gluten foods as well - but it's worth trying.
I know that Ketel one is gluten free - and i think a lot of other vodkas are. But many aren't - so it's something to look into.
I would try getting a sixer of Redbridge gluten free beer. It's made by AB, but my mom drinks it and actually does like it.
Also, maybe you should seek out an allergy specialist. If you can isolate what you're allergic to, you might be able to avoid it.
and remember - you can make your own alcohol at home in the U.S. So, if it actually turns out to be something other than alcohol - it may be time to pick up a new homebrewing hobby so you can make your own custom recipes.
-
-
Post #6 - November 18th, 2007, 9:58 pmHave you been tested for an autoimmune condition? I have a similar reaction (though not on my face and chest and not all the time) and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder about 15 years ago. This, of course, wasn't my only symptom, but alcohol does seem to trigger a flare-up. Might be something to check out.
-
-
Post #7 - November 19th, 2007, 2:12 amIt's not likely to be a gluten allergy if you get the reaction with wine. A visit to an allergist and a thorough checkup with your regular doctor are good ideas. Ask your doctor to test for glucose intolerance. Diabetics I have known have had similar flushing reactions to alcohol.
