Alcohol allergy: how do you know if you have one?

Posted: 23rd February 2022 | Posted by Costa

alcohol allergy

Alcohol allergy: how do you know if you have one?

Whether it’s for a celebration or just because we’ve had one of those days at work, plenty of us like to unwind with a drink. Some like a trip to the pub for just the one pint. And others like a whole night on the town. Whatever you’re into, as long as you drink responsibly, it’s just good to enjoy ourselves.

But have you ever thought about an alcohol allergy? There’s no end to what we can be allergic to, so why would alcohol be any different? It’s a very rare condition to have, but not impossible. So let’s take a look at what it’s like if you have it.

Alcohol allergy vs intolerance

The first question to ask is if it’s an allergy in the first place. It may well be an intolerance. But what’s the difference?

In short, an allergy is an immune response, while an intolerance is a digestive response. You’ll have some idea which it is based on the symptoms you have.

If it’s an allergy, you might experience: rashes, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis.

But if it’s an intolerance, you’re more likely to experience: stomach issues, heartburn, or diarrhoea. Note that both lists aren’t extensive and you may have other symptoms.

If you have an intolerance to alcohol, it’s because your body doesn’t have the enzymes it needs to break down the drink. It’s very similar to what happens if you have something like lactose intolerance. Whereas if it’s an allergic reaction, it’s likely your immune system overreacts to something in the alcohol. So in wine, for example, it could be the grapes you’re reacting to.

While both are something you don’t want to deal with, an allergic response is more severe. If you experience it, it could even lead to death.

What to watch out for

What’s your next step? Talk to your doctor about it. If you suspect you might have an alcohol allergy or intolerance, they will be able to test you for it. This would let you know what you need to avoid. And in the case of an allergy, it may help you understand which ingredient in particular is setting you off.

When you have your answer, you can look out for anything that might trigger a reaction. Pay attention to what food has alcohol in it. Especially at restaurants that might use something like red wine in a sauce.

You might find initially that it’s hard to navigate your allergy or intolerance. Your eyes will open to just how common it is. But in time, you’ll learn how to avoid it and keep yourself safe. In the meantime, talk to your doctor – or an allergy specialist – and find out how you can live a more comfortable life.

If you ever have any allergy concerns, get in touch with our experts today. We can help answer all your questions. Register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.