Allergy to beer

An allergy to beer is a disease over which many laugh, because they consider it non-existent. Meanwhile, this kind of allergy happens, and although it can not be called ubiquitous (as, say, an allergy to pollen or chocolate), it still persuades some people.

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Causes of beer allergy

The reasons for allergies to beer are different. First of all, it should be noted that there is no allergy to a cold drink, as such. The reaction of the body arises from intolerance or hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drink (yeast, barley malt or hops).

Also allergic to beer can occur if you:

• Often drink a drink or consume it in large quantities.
• You suffer from intolerance to alcohol in general.
• Sensitive to fragrances, preservatives or dyes, which are contained in beer (often in low-cost varieties).
• In rare cases - with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

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Symptoms of beer allergy

As we have already found out, if a person's condition worsens after drinking beer, then his body is sensitive to one of the components that make up the beverage. Symptoms of an allergy directly depend on what component you do not transfer.

Allergy to barley malt

Barley malt (and to be precise - a protein such as LTP, which it contains) is usually not tolerated by people who suffer from allergies to pollen. If, after drinking beer, you notice the following symptoms, then your body is sensitive to barley malt:

• Cough.
• Unpleasant sensations in the chest.
• Swelling of the lips and tongue.
• Dizziness.
• Tingling of the facial area.
• Hives (very itchy blisters that are like nettle burns).

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Allergy to hops

Hops - one of the main components of beer, which gives the drink a bitter taste. You do not transfer it if after the first sips you become a "happy" owner:

• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye).
• Runny nose.
• Hives.
• Signs of bronchial asthma (coughing, choking).

Allergy to yeast

You are allergic to the alcoholic component of beer, if you notice the following symptoms:

• Heartburn.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Rashes on the skin.
• Stomach ache.
• A sore throat.
• Cough and shortness of breath.

Another symptom of beer allergy is tachycardia (increased heart rate) and increased blood pressure.

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Diagnosis and treatment of beer allergies

Fortunately, often uncomfortable symptoms that occur when an intolerant component of an alcoholic beverage is intolerated take place within a few hours. Then the person, taking them for temporary malaise, continues to have fun with friends over a glass of beer.

But we must remember that an allergy to beer, although a fairly rare disease, can still lead to serious consequences. Therefore, with the first symptoms you need to see a doctor:

• To the allergist.
• To the therapist.
• To the family doctor.

A qualified specialist will conduct an examination and identify the true cause of the allergic reaction.

To date, modern medicine is unable to completely cure of this type of allergy, so the best treatment to yourself can be you. The recipe is simple - do not drink beer at all!

In the case when after the first sips you feel the symptoms of an allergy to beer you can take antihistamines:

• Dimedrol - 30-50 mg to three times a day (but not more than 250 mg per day).
• Loratadin and Agistam-1 tablet once a day.

But remember that in any case you should not take any medicine if you have drunk at least half a liter of beer! This can only exacerbate the situation, and the disease will become more severe.

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Prevention

If you notice the symptoms of an allergy to beer, you know - this disease can not be overcome completely. Get rid of him by taking medication is also quite difficult because of the incompatibility of drugs with alcohol. The only sensible solution is the refusal to drink beer. Besides:

• Refuse the products containing the same components as beer (bakery, kvass, champagne, pasta).
• If the first symptoms of an allergy occur, see a doctor. Perhaps this is only a consequence of other, more serious diseases.

An allergy to beer, however paradoxical it may sound, is perhaps one of the few diseases that will help the patient to lead a healthy lifestyle, after all, getting rid of it is impossible, without giving up alcohol - and, I must say, harmful - drink.