Am I Allergic to Alcohol?

Imagine planning a house party where you've invited an eclectic mix of close friends, acquaintances, and a featured guest — alcohol. Alcohol can liven up the atmosphere, eliciting laughter and stimulating conversation. However, what happens when this guest starts causing discomfort, triggering unpleasant reactions in some of your friends? Not so fun anymore, right?

This is what being allergic to alcohol feels like. What are some signs you're allergic to alcohol? And can you be sensitive to a particular type — for example, can you be allergic to tequila? Or can you be allergic to whiskey? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two — and how to know if either could be impacting you.

What Does Being Allergic to Alcohol Mean?

In an allergy to alcohol, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and mounts an aggressive response.

Our body perceives the presence of alcohol as a life-threatening situation, and it sends our immune system into overdrive.

Is an Alcohol Allergy the Same as Intolerance?

Some of us may be wondering, does being allergic to alcohol the same as having alcohol intolerance? Not quite. Alcohol intolerance can cause a variety of physical symptoms, similar to how a person can start sneezing after a strong spray of perfume. Our bodies can respond to alcohol as an irritant, causing adverse reactions that are often misunderstood.

While our immune system is behind alcohol allergies, alcohol intolerance is caused by a glitch in alcohol metabolism. The liver is at the center of this process, converting alcohol to acetaldehyde — a compound that’s more toxic than alcohol itself, which then gets converted into harmless acetic acid. Occasionally genetic variations lead to an enzyme deficiency that throws a wrench in the process, leading to acetaldehyde buildup. The result? We experience unpleasant symptoms, such as flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat after drinking.

Signs You’re Allergic to Alcohol

Alcohol allergies are extremely rare, but when they occur, they can lead to severe symptoms:

• Hives. We might get red, itchy welts on our skin. 
• Swelling. Our face, lips, and throat might swell up as part of the immune response.
• Difficulty breathing. One of the most serious symptoms of an alcohol allergy involves shortness of breath or wheezing caused by swelling in the airways.
• Nausea and vomiting. Feeling sick and vomiting as the body tries to expel the allergen is another tell-tale sign.
• Abdominal pain. Stomach cramps or pain are sometimes caused by inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Dizziness or fainting. We might feel lightheaded or faint due to a drop in blood pressure. 
• Rapid heartbeat. An increased heart rate is another frequent symptom.
• Headache. Pain in the head or face might be the fallout of our body's inflammatory response.
• Runny or stuffy nose. Nasal congestion or a runny nose due to inflammation in the nasal passages is another common sign.

An allergy to alcohol can be life-threatening. If you suspect you have an allergic reaction to alcohol, steer clear of it entirely until you’ve consulted with your healthcare provider.

As for the question of whether you can be allergic to a specific type of alcohol, the answer is yes. It all depends on the exact ingredient that’s causing the allergy — it might not be alcohol at all. For example, some people are allergic to grapes and can’t drink wine, but don’t have the same allergic reaction to alcohol when it comes to other types. And can you be allergic to whiskey or tequila? It’s rare but possible. In the case of whiskey, you might be allergic to specific grains that are used in the fermentation process, while in the case of tequila the culprit might be agave.

Can an Alcohol Allergy Be Treated?

There is no cure for an alcohol allergy, so the best way to manage it is to avoid alcohol entirely. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with antihistamines if accidental exposure occurs — however, doing so on a regular basis isn’t a good idea. And remember — always reach out for medical help if you have any concerns.

Taking Back Control

Armed with this knowledge, we can take steps to handle our unexpected guest or, better yet, not invite them at all. Here are seven actionable steps to reevaluate our relationship with alcohol:

1. Knowledge is power: Understand the effects of alcohol on your body. Acknowledging its impact can help in taking decisive action.
2. Listen to your body: Notice and track the physical cues of intolerance. Include what you drank and when, and as many details as you can about your symptoms. 
3. Seek medical advice: If symptoms persist, are severe, or worry you, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
4. Moderation is key: If it's safe to consume alcohol, doing so mindfully can mitigate symptoms.
5. Alcohol-free days: Designate certain days of the week to abstain from alcohol completely. 
6. Healthy alternatives: Explore other beverages that can replace alcohol at social events, like sparkling water with a twist of lemon or crafted mocktails.
7. Support network: Reach out to supportive friends and family — and join the robust community you’ll find at Reframe. Our journey towards health doesn’t have to be a solitary one.

Understanding alcohol intolerance and allergy allows us to consider our relationship with alcohol and take strides towards healthier choices. If you think you have an allergy, speak to your healthcare provider. Most likely, they’ll tell you to cut alcohol out entirely and in any form.