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Nowadays it is difficult to imagine any feast without drinking. A bottle of wine for the ladies, something stronger for the gentlemen. The main thing is not to overdo it with the dose and everything will be fine. But, if you are the unfortunate owner of an allergy to alcohol, be prepared for serious consequences.
An allergic reaction to alcoholic beverages is a fairly common thing, although often the patient is not even aware of his illness. All symptoms are attributed to a hangover, snacks and other reasons. And the true culprit continues to sharpen the health of the wearer.
In this article, we will tell you how to identify and neutralize this disease before it neutralizes you.
Types of disease and their symptoms
There are two main types of alcohol allergy: hereditary and acquired.
The first, as the name suggests, is due to a genetic predisposition. In other words, if your parents or immediate family are having a hard time with drinking, be careful - chances are you're in a similar situation.
Symptoms of this type of allergy are:
- Rapid onset of intoxication;
- severe nausea;
- Headache after drinking;
- In some cases, anaphylactic shock.
The second variant of the disease is an acquired allergy to alcohol.
This type occurs with the frequent use of low-quality alcoholic beverages. It's no secret that many types of cheap booze are made from low-quality raw materials, which are "ennobled" with various additives. Such substances are not only harmful in themselves, but also cause a severe allergic reaction.
Another cause of allergy to alcohol is the abuse of exotics. Still, the proverb “What is good for a Russian is death for a German” works both ways.
The main symptoms of an acquired allergy are:
- Sharp redness or peeling of the skin;
- Rash accompanied by severe itching;
- stomach problems, vomiting, diarrhea;
- severe headaches;
- swelling of the face;
- Tachycardia (strong heartbeat);
- Asthma attacks (suffocation);
- Rapid fatigue and drowsiness.
Major alcohol allergens
As we mentioned earlier, the main cause of an allergic reaction is the various dyes and flavors used by alcoholic beverage manufacturers. However, elite types of alcohol can also cause an allergy to alcohol. Here is a short list of possible allergens found in most alcoholic beverages:
- Sulfur dioxide. This compound is actively used for processing grape plantings. As a result, it can be found even in vintage wines aged over 10 years;
- Pesticides. Unlike sulfur dioxide, pesticides are used in the cultivation of raw materials for various drinks, including vodka;
- Hops and yeast fungi contained in beer drinks;
- Ethanol.
A number of alcohol allergens may be in a "sleeping" state. But when combined with certain additives, they awaken and strike. For example, a person can easily tolerate rum or tequila, but the very first sip of a cocktail based on them causes an allergic reaction.
Diagnosis and treatment
If after a feast you increasingly notice the symptoms of an allergy to alcohol, then you can try to determine the allergen yourself. The first step is to check if it's really the booze. If the fears are confirmed, try to identify the culprit and eliminate it from the diet. Or at least reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Another thing is that this path is quite risky. Therefore, as soon as the symptoms begin to cause you discomfort, immediately go to the doctor. But not to the allergist, but to the gastroenterologist. Often, these reactions are a harbinger of much more serious diseases, such as gastritis or liver damage.
After laboratory diagnosis, the attending physician will prescribe the necessary treatment for you. His first step will be to cleanse the body of allergens by gastric lavage. In some cases, droppers with cleaning solutions are used.
An important part of the treatment of alcohol allergy are sorbent preparations (activated carbon, Polysorb and Polyphepan) and general antihistamines (Suprastin, Tsetrin, Zodak). There are two main points to keep in mind:
- Apply sorbents or antihistamines only after gastric lavage. Otherwise, the effect of the application is smeared;
- The simultaneous use of sorbent preparations and antihistamines is strictly prohibited. They just cancel each other out.
Skin manifestations of an allergy to alcohol are treated with antihistamine ointments (Fenistil or Skin-cap). But keep in mind that you are only treating a single symptom, not the disease itself.
Do not neglect dairy products. They perfectly cleanse the body, neutralize allergens and relieve alcohol intoxication.
And, of course, the most effective method of treatment is the complete rejection of alcohol. Yes, dry law is not an easy thing. But as soon as you cope with cravings, life will immediately sparkle with new colors. Not to mention the significant benefits to your health.
General Tips
To minimize the risk of an acquired allergy to alcohol, try to follow these recommendations. In addition, they will help you avoid more serious illnesses.
- Limit the amount of alcohol consumed;
- Try to consume high quality alcoholic beverages. Avoid inexpensive alcohol as well as surrogates;
- Give up complex cocktails and multicomponent alcohol (whiskey, tequila, moonshine) in favor of pure vodka and cognac. The tannins contained in the latter reduce the permeability of the intestinal walls and prevent the absorption of excess alcohol;
- Choose your snack carefully. In some cases, alcohol can act as an activator for an external allergen. Be especially wary of unfamiliar dishes and exotic cuisines;
- Never drink alcohol while taking medications. When in contact with alcohol, many drugs change their properties and effects, which can lead to disastrous consequences.
And most importantly - do not panic and do not get depressed. Allergy to alcohol is a very unpleasant disease. However, you must agree that this is much better than an allergy to pollen or sunlight . At the very least, it can really make its owner healthier. Albeit at the cost of giving up some benefits.
