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Allergy to alcohol
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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An allergy to alcohol, paradoxically as it sounds, could be a salvation for many who suffer from alcohol dependence. However, among them, there are quite rare cases of an allergic reaction to substances containing alcohol. Therefore, it will be a very different circle of people, the causes that cause such an allergy and the ways of its treatment.
Alcohol, like any other substance that enters the human body - foods, drinks, can provoke an allergic reaction. In addition to its destructive effect on systems and organs, it has the property of causing an aggressive response from the immune system. What many consider a temporary typical phenomenon after drinking alcohol - redness of the skin, itching, can serve as a signal for the manifestation of allergy.
[Why does an allergy to alcohol occur?
Allergy to alcohol is not caused by ethanol itself, it is not an allergen to the body. It is explained simply. The human body itself is able to produce a dosed, normal amount of ethyl alcohol for it. Moreover, it is considered a natural metabolite. That's why the immune system does not protest against it, and the molecular composition of ethyl compounds are not suitable for the role of an allergen. What is the cause of an allergic reaction when drinking alcohol-containing beverages?
- Hapten (a substance that is ready to become an allergen when combined with a protein) or an allergen can be any component of an alcoholic beverage. This is a dye, and flavors, and flavor additives;
- Alcohol provokes pathological changes in the organs, which in turn can become more vulnerable to allergens;
- Alcohol, stepping into the mix with medicines, provokes the appearance of allergic compounds;
- Alcohol, when combined with certain products, can cause an allergic reaction;
- The allergy to alcohol is explained by a hereditary factor.
Allergy to alcohol is most often when consuming cognac, wine, beer, tinctures and liquors, that is, those alcohol-containing beverages, which may include flavors, extracts of herbs and plants. Of course, classical vodka or alcohol can not be considered harmless or beneficial to the body. Like any other alcoholic beverage, vodka is able to thin the walls of the digestive tract and make it vulnerable to microbes, bacteria and other substances. Through the microerrosion, the allergen can also get into the blood serum. In addition, if a history of allergies describes cases of alcohol intoxication by parents, the risk of getting even this type of allergy doubles. In the presence of a hereditary predisposition, an allergic reaction to alcohol can be especially acute and menacing, moreover, even a minimal dose of alcohol can provoke an allergy. The body reacts so aggressively fast that often such experiments result in anaphylactic shock.
How does the alcohol allergy manifest?
The allergy acquired, as a rule, arises on the basis of chronic alcoholism or because of the use of questionable quality of drinks. A huge amount of substances called to purify ethyl alcohol, often exceed the permissible dose and themselves become toxins. And synthetic flavors and flavors often become dangerous allergens. Acquired alcohol allergy develops slowly, often asymptomatic. The patient looks for help when the allergy affects many systems and organs, manifests itself sharply. To treat this form of allergy is extremely difficult and the course of therapy lasts a very long time.
The allergy to alcohol is manifested by such signs:
- Hyperemia, as a rule, reddens the face;
- Edemas - face, neck, hands;
- Rhinitis, not associated with colds;
- Rash, itching, papules;
- Changes in blood pressure (hypertension, hypotension);
- Tachycardia, not removed by cardiopreparations;
- Anaphylaxis.
How is an allergy to alcohol recognized?
Alcohol allergy is diagnosed in the same way as other types of allergic diseases. This is a biochemical blood test that will show the state of the blood composition, an immunoenzymaticogram that reveals the excess of IgE immunoglobulin titers. A skin test may also be prescribed. Treatment of this type of allergy is standard: to exclude the source of allergization, that is alcohol, antihistamine therapy, in severe situations (anaphylaxis) - a complex of resuscitation measures.
Alcohol allergy is a type of allergic reaction, but it is much easier to prevent such an allergy than other forms. It is enough simply not to drink alcohol at all, or to limit their intake.