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Am I allergic to alcohol or alcohol intolerant?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Questions123
Questions123

Hi! I’m a young woman who has some health issues (asthma, respiratory/sinus-related issues mostly) but I never had any reaction to alcohol before 4 or 5 months ago. It doesn’t happen every time I drink, but there is at least a 50/50 chance that even with half a shot (or drink) I will quickly develop a flushed face. This can happen with every type of alcohol (tequila, vodka, champagne, beer, etc.). Sometimes it’s just a splotchy red chin/lower face; sometimes it’s my forehead, or nearly my whole face as well as my upper chest. The weird thing is that it’s very splotchy and random, not uniform—it looks almost like someone splattered red paint all over my face with a few large brush strokes thrown in here and there. Other than sometimes feeling hot or a slight tingle on my tongue (which could just be the strength of the liquor), I have no other consistent symptoms. But at times the rash looks HORRIBLE—very bright red; definitely could not go out and drink socially like that. Anyone know what might be causing this and if it’s safe to continue drinking?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • annette72733
    annette72733 Questions123

    Posted

    I'm sensitive to red wine. I would get an instant headache and sometimes the flushed face. Then a few years ago I started taking claritin daily and the issue went away.

  • theirpower
    theirpower Questions123

    Posted

    Hello,

    Are you taking some kind of medication, vitamins or supplements?

    It could be a reaction between these and the alcohol

    • Questions123
      Questions123 theirpower

      Posted

      Hiya,

      Yes, quite a large number of them, actually--I have wondered this myself, but since I take so many on a daily basis (including some that I can't stop taking, like gene modulators), I don't know which it would be. Do you have any suggestions as to how to find that out?

      Thank you for your response!!

    • theirpower
      theirpower Questions123

      Posted

      No problem. Happy holidays to you.

      Well, you can take each and do a little research, usually they come with a leaflet that has a PRECAUTION section. Give that a read.

      And if you do not mind me asking, why take all these vitamins?

    • theirpower
      theirpower Questions123

      Posted

      well...we all have our issues honestly 😃

      Just be strong, maintain your diet, drink lots of water.

      Ever heard of astragalus?

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