Do you also experience strange problems when you drink alcohol? Let's talk about this alcohol allergy.

Sometimes when you go to a party with friends, and you drink a little wine or beer, some people get strange problems, right? Their face suddenly turns red, they itch all over their body, and sometimes they get a stomachache. So many people say this, "I'm allergic to alcohol." But did you know, this is not always a true allergy, that is, it's not an allergy at all. So what is this? Let's talk about this exactly, simply, today.

Is this really an allergy? Or is it an intolerance?

There is a big difference between the two. Understanding this can help you gain a better understanding of your situation.

Alcohol Allergy:

Simply put, this is a very rare condition. What happens here is that your body's immune system mistakenly thinks that alcohol is a dangerous enemy that has entered the body. It then produces antibodies to fight against this "enemy". The result of this fight is the symptoms of an allergy. This can be really dangerous. Even a small amount, like two teaspoons of wine or a sip of beer, can be enough to cause a severe reaction.

Alcohol Intolerance:

This is a common condition for many people. It is not an allergy. It is because your body lacks certain enzymes that are needed to break down and process alcohol. In particular, the main reason for this is the lack of an enzyme called Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH). When this enzyme is missing, a harmful chemical that is formed when alcohol breaks down accumulates in the body, which causes symptoms such as flushing and headaches. This condition is especially common among our people of Asian descent.

Now let's see how the symptoms of these two conditions differ.

Why are these drinks bad for us? Are there other things besides alcohol?

Yes! Alcohol is not a single thing. It is a complex mixture of many things, including grains, chemicals, and preservatives. Sometimes you are allergic not to the alcohol itself, but to something else used to make the drink.

Here are some common allergens:

• Barley
• Wheat
• Yeast
• Hops - contained in beer
• Grapes (G RA pes)
• Gluten
• Egg whites (often used to clarify wine)
• Sulfites - a preservative, especially in wine
• Histamines - found in abundance in red wine

This is why many people have reactions to red wine. Also, beer and whiskey can cause reactions because they are made with common allergens like yeast, hops, barley, and wheat.

Who is most at risk for this condition?

You may be more likely to develop an allergy or intolerance to alcohol,

• If you are of Asian descent: The enzyme deficiency we talked about earlier is common among these people.
• If you have asthma or other allergies, such as hay fever.
• If you have allergies to grains or other foods.
• If you have a cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Also, remember, if you are taking medication for a medical condition, be sure to ask your doctor if it is appropriate before drinking alcohol.

How do I find this exactly?

If you suspect you're having these reactions to alcohol, the best thing to do is see a doctor. He or she may do the following to diagnose the condition:

• Ask you and your family for details: Since this condition can run in families, they will ask if anyone else in the family has had similar problems.
• Ask about your symptoms in detail.
• Does a physical examination.
• Skin Prick Test: This involves placing a very small amount of a suspected allergen on your skin and then using a small needle to prick the skin. If you are allergic to the substance, the area will swell up like a small blister.
• A blood test is performed.

Additionally, your doctor may advise you to stop drinking alcohol completely for a while. Then, you can try to reintroduce each type of drink in very small amounts to try to identify exactly which type you are allergic to.

Treatment and prevention

The only and best solution to this is to avoid drinks that contain alcohol, which are bad for you .

If a sudden reaction occurs, it could be a minor injury that does not require medical attention, or it could be a severe, life-threatening condition like anaphylaxis, which we discussed earlier.

What to do in case of a severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis:

1. Stick immediately.

2. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (doctors prescribe this for people with severe allergies), get it immediately.

3. Immediately call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

If a doctor has determined that you have a severe alcohol allergy, it is very important to always carry an epinephrine injection with you and wear a medical ID bracelet that states your allergy.

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