However, some people develop allergy-like symptoms, such as an itchy throat and nasal congestion, in response to the sulfites in wine. Sulfites, tyramines, and histamines are substances that are naturally found in many forms of alcohol. They’re present in higher amounts in certain types of alcohol, like red wine, than others.

Why do people develop an alcohol intolerance?

An alcohol allergy is a rare toxic reaction to alcohol that can be fatal in rare cases. Often, what people consider to be an alcohol allergy is, in fact, alcohol intolerance. While rare, yeast allergy can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

What Are the Immediate and Long-Term Health Benefits After You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Specifically, genetic changes that make your corresponding ALDH2 enzyme bad at its job. What’s more is that this genetic variation can be passed down from parent to child, making alcohol intolerance an inherited condition. And since it affects your genes, once you inherit it, you’re stuck with it. White wine tends to contain higher levels of sulfites than red wine and beer. Normally your body produces an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) to break histamine down.

Genetic Predisposition

• This dilation occurs first in the brain, so you may feel flushed or warm after only a few sips of alcohol.
• Read beverage labels to see whether they contain ingredients or additives you know cause a reaction, such as sulfites or certain grains.
• Occasionally, a doctor may ask a person to consume alcohol in a medical setting and observe any reactions or symptoms.
• Alcohol intolerance can cause immediate, uncomfortable reactions after you drink alcohol.
• These substances can make your blood vessels dilate, which causes symptoms of alcohol intolerance.

Red wine might help protect your stomach from harmful bacteria due to its flavonoids. Flavonoids are types of polyphenols that have antibacterial properties. They may also counteract the damaging effects of alcohol on the stomach lining. Red wine is a complex mixture of water, alcohol, acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and a wide range of antioxidants, including aromatic compounds and polyphenols. These antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules that can damage your cells. Amongst its polyphenols, resveratrol stands out for its potential heart-protective benefits.

The nurse explains that this is due to the presence of sulphites, which preserve many alcoholic drinks. “For some people with sensitive airways, such as asthmatics, consuming sulphites in alcohol may cause wheezing,” she explains. Having a mild intolerance to alcohol or something else in alcoholic beverages might not require a trip to a doctor. Simply avoid alcohol, limit how much you drink or avoid certain types of alcoholic beverages.

Risk factors to consider

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. They may also change any medicine you’re taking if they think it may be causing your symptoms. If needed, a GP may prescribe stronger medicine, such as prescription nasal sprays. If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

Symptoms can range from a stuffy nose and sneezing to asthma or severe anaphylaxis. Some people may also experience flushing and skin irritation after drinking wine. Symptoms of an allergy or intolerance to beer may occur because you have a sensitivity to an ingredient sneezing after drinking alcohol in beer. Common allergens in beer include gluten, histamine, sulfites, and yeast. Several ingredients in beer can lead to beer allergy symptoms. Beer ingredients that commonly cause allergies or sensitivities include barley, gluten, histamines, sulfites, and yeast.

What to know about alcohol allergies

Is there a link between having alcohol allergies and eczema?

• But alcohol tolerance is more complicated than just being “a lightweight” or not.
• However, if you have alcohol intolerance, you must talk to your doctor about which alcohols are best for you to drink.
• This can lead to sneezing as well as a runny or stuffy nose.
• If a person thinks they have an alcohol allergy, they should eliminate alcohol from their diet and consult with a healthcare professional.