Mike29
12-25-2000, 03:38 PM
Hi, I'm 17 years old and i think i'm allergic to alcohol. When I drink it, my face turns red (as if I'm blushing) for quite a long time depending on how much I have drank. My arms and chest also turn a little red as well. My eyes become somewhat bloodshot and face also gets kinda swollen. I know people tend to throw up if they drink too much, but i've done it after 2 beers! Could I be allergic to alcohol or is my body just getting used to it cause this is the first year that i have started to drink. Any information would be helpful. Thanks
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Janet
01-02-2001, 12:32 AM
Hi,,you could very well be allergic to alcohol.
I have a friend who's neck turns pretty red while she is drinking and at times her cheeks.
The rule of thumb is , if you think you are allergic to something you should stay away from it as it can lead to other serious reactions..
Take care
I have a friend who's neck turns pretty red while she is drinking and at times her cheeks.
The rule of thumb is , if you think you are allergic to something you should stay away from it as it can lead to other serious reactions..
Take care
Jester
01-03-2001, 12:07 PM
I used to be allergic to alcohol, but it wasn't actually the alcohol it was something in it. I went on a cleansing diet, for about a month. I avoided sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten (most carbohydrates). After this diet I was able to drink without getting smashed on 1 drink. There are a lot of people who are allergic to certain foods, and because of that they will become sensitive to other foods. I don't fully understand it, but you may want to look into a cleansing diet. There is way to much processed foods in our diest as it is, whole foods can never hurt you... :p
Guff
01-03-2001, 08:17 PM
I think Jester could be right. I brewed beer for a local brewpub here and I noticed people having an allergic reaction to certain types of beer I made.
I came to the conclusion it wasn't the alcohol but possibly the hops or other ingredients.
What type of beer was it? Highly hopped, was it made with corn or rice like Bud and Coors? Check the ingredients and try different brands of beer.
Remember Hops are a pungent flower and closely related to marijuana. Look for a low hoped beer like an amber or fruit beer. If you use mouthwash, drink wine, or whisky then it’s not the alcohol.
Also there are many diff. types of yeast used in making beer. Maybe you have a yeast allergy?
I came to the conclusion it wasn't the alcohol but possibly the hops or other ingredients.
What type of beer was it? Highly hopped, was it made with corn or rice like Bud and Coors? Check the ingredients and try different brands of beer.
Remember Hops are a pungent flower and closely related to marijuana. Look for a low hoped beer like an amber or fruit beer. If you use mouthwash, drink wine, or whisky then it’s not the alcohol.
Also there are many diff. types of yeast used in making beer. Maybe you have a yeast allergy?
savannah
01-14-2001, 02:20 AM
This is so strange. I have felt some sort of allergic reaction to alcohol as well. BUT not all kinds. For instance, the only beer I noticed that doesn't bother me is Michelob Light.
I have also suspected a corn or hops allergy for some time. Upon taking a few sips of some tea once, in which the primary igredient was hops, I immediately had heart palpitations. Very scary.
I have also suspected a corn or hops allergy for some time. Upon taking a few sips of some tea once, in which the primary igredient was hops, I immediately had heart palpitations. Very scary.
CC
01-21-2001, 04:20 AM
I have been allergic to alcohol since I tried it several years ago. I usually get a rash on my neck, chest, and stomach area. Sometimes the rash will move to my face - depending how much I drink. The rash looks like red to dark red patches. I spoke to my doctor about it and he told me that I might be allergic to something in the alcohol - but I get this way with all varieties. I was told to stop using it but I have found that advice not to work. I will socially drink only once a month or maybe once every two months. I will tell you to try to stop drinking as much - your body is trying to tell you to something when it turns red. I know your young and telling you to stop will not work (it didn't work for me when I was told). If this allergic reaction continues - I would rethink that next drink.
movieman
01-30-2001, 08:17 PM
This is all very interesting. I am just now suspecting an alergic reaction to alcohol (beer) after having exhausted every other conceivable explanation for a red face. My face does seem to get really warm and go red all over not long after having a beer. I haven't gone so far as to look at what brand of beer might be doing it. This seems so unreal since I've been having a beer every day for years, with no problems until now. Can anyone site any legitimate medical documents that support this???
pert
02-01-2001, 08:04 PM
Originally posted by movieman:
This is all very interesting. I am just now suspecting an alergic reaction to alcohol (beer) after having exhausted every other conceivable explanation for a red face. My face does seem to get really warm and go red all over not long after having a beer. I haven't gone so far as to look at what brand of beer might be doing it. This seems so unreal since I've been having a beer every day for years, with no problems until now. Can anyone site any legitimate medical documents that support this???
i cannot consume over a glass of alchol due to breathing difficulty
This is all very interesting. I am just now suspecting an alergic reaction to alcohol (beer) after having exhausted every other conceivable explanation for a red face. My face does seem to get really warm and go red all over not long after having a beer. I haven't gone so far as to look at what brand of beer might be doing it. This seems so unreal since I've been having a beer every day for years, with no problems until now. Can anyone site any legitimate medical documents that support this???
i cannot consume over a glass of alchol due to breathing difficulty
Prashua
02-09-2001, 07:26 AM
Hi,
What mike described was sortofa dejavu to me. I had been drinking for a long time and very frequently too and suddenly this problem started. Pretty well described by mike. However What i would like to add is that my mouth used to stink to high heavens even if i had just a couple of sips. I asked quite a lot of doctors and the unianimous choice was I had become allergic to alcohol. It used to happen sometimes and sometimes it would be fine. In fact I could make out whether I would have a reaction on the first sip itself. I went to a homeopatic doctor and a treatment for about a month has solved this problem. I does happen occacional but i guess that's ok.
What mike described was sortofa dejavu to me. I had been drinking for a long time and very frequently too and suddenly this problem started. Pretty well described by mike. However What i would like to add is that my mouth used to stink to high heavens even if i had just a couple of sips. I asked quite a lot of doctors and the unianimous choice was I had become allergic to alcohol. It used to happen sometimes and sometimes it would be fine. In fact I could make out whether I would have a reaction on the first sip itself. I went to a homeopatic doctor and a treatment for about a month has solved this problem. I does happen occacional but i guess that's ok.
kublakhan13
02-26-2001, 09:29 PM
I agree that alcohol can have that affect on a person. When I was a bit younger I would often turn beet red after comsuming just a couple of beers or even a bit of wine. Also, if I ate at salad bars I would often turn flush. Once my ears turned purple while eating at a restaurant salad bar with some work companions! lol I was informed that it might be sulphites but I've since read that they've been banned from salad bars. You're not alone!
tenit
03-02-2001, 08:27 PM
I have had similar experiences periodically over the last 2 years. I only seem to have problems with domestic beers and sometimes wine. I have not had a reaction to dark imports but this may be coincidental as the reaction is inconsistent.
My face turns very red, hot and tight. It almost stings when the skin stretches. My most recent experience was last night at a business gathering and it lasted almost 45 minutes. I had to leave to avoid the explanations as I had none. It is good to see I am not alone. Not sure where to turn next as I know my doctor will suggest the obvious "avoid alcohol" and I am interested in finding the actual ingredient that causes this.
My face turns very red, hot and tight. It almost stings when the skin stretches. My most recent experience was last night at a business gathering and it lasted almost 45 minutes. I had to leave to avoid the explanations as I had none. It is good to see I am not alone. Not sure where to turn next as I know my doctor will suggest the obvious "avoid alcohol" and I am interested in finding the actual ingredient that causes this.
smiley525
01-29-2002, 06:30 PM
Wow, I'm gald I'm not alone, until about 6 months ago I was fine drinking never nay problems. Now-not all the time- I seem to be allergic. 1 time it was a Rum & Coke, the next a Bass Beer and the last two times Margaritas. My face turns bright red (not like a lfush, but worse) and I feel like my face is on fire, I get a rash on my chest as well....
Doctor doesn't really know, but I am scared to drink, not that I drink often, but would like to socially!
Doctor doesn't really know, but I am scared to drink, not that I drink often, but would like to socially!
drunky
03-03-2002, 03:42 AM
Wow! I can't believe some of you have the same symptoms I have. I only wish there were answers here as well!
I get a blochy red rash on my face and in severe cases everywhere I've had scars on my body (like chest and back) when I drink some red wines and some hard liquors. My face feels very hot and the rash lasts for an hour or more (depending on how much I drink). I can't recall this ever happening when drinking beer.
I have been working with the assumption that there must be an ingredient in the wine or liquor that I am allergic to. Sulphites? other? However, I've noticed that I can drink the same wines and only occasionally break out. My new assumption is that stress also plays into the equation. Very frustrating because I basically can't risk drinking in public any more (I've broken out several times in business settings!!).
I get a blochy red rash on my face and in severe cases everywhere I've had scars on my body (like chest and back) when I drink some red wines and some hard liquors. My face feels very hot and the rash lasts for an hour or more (depending on how much I drink). I can't recall this ever happening when drinking beer.
I have been working with the assumption that there must be an ingredient in the wine or liquor that I am allergic to. Sulphites? other? However, I've noticed that I can drink the same wines and only occasionally break out. My new assumption is that stress also plays into the equation. Very frustrating because I basically can't risk drinking in public any more (I've broken out several times in business settings!!).
miseryweeps
03-14-2002, 03:53 PM
Okay, here is a new angle to this. I am able to drink rum, vodka, and sometimes tequila without reaction. However, I CANNOT drink anything that is malt. Such as Zima, beer, wine coolers, etc. My chest tightens up, I can't breathe, I get very hot, etc. Most of the time I can calm down the reaction by eating a piece or two of bread. I now stay away from anything that is malted. Not sure what constitutes as malted or what ingredient is used, but I know to stay away from it. Any ideas?
wish22
05-28-2002, 03:49 AM
I have had sinus related allergies since I was 7 and developed asthma when I was 14. My main triggers are mold, pollen, dust and animal fur. When I began trying to drink alcoholic beverages, I would have an asthma attack, my hands, feet and lips would swell, and I would get itchy hives. I am now 33 and after trying beer, wine and a variety of mixed drinks after turning 21, I quickly gave up trying to drink anything with alcohol in it at all. As I have gotten older, I have noticed I also have reactions to topical alcohol as well. If I use any products with a high alcohol content (most perfumes, lotions, etc.) I get hives where ever I applied the product and sometimes feel nauseous. Has anyone else had this problem? Also, in the last few years, I have considered getting a tattoo but have learned that tattoo ink has an alcohol base. I am now putting off getting one for fear that I may have a severe reaction. I would love to hear from anyone who has any information or experiences to share.
envirogirl
05-28-2002, 11:54 PM
If you are of Asian background, you have a higher tendency to have a reaction which makes your face turn red. This is because Asians lack the enzyme to break down the alcohol. However, not all Asians tend to turn red. If you're not Asian, well, maybe you also lack the enzyme as well. Unfortunately, I have to limit my alcohol consumption to no more than 3 drinks in one evening. actually, 3 is pushing it. haha...i'm a cheap drunk...oh well, saves me money.
RAline
06-13-2002, 12:48 PM
There are sulfites in both beer and wine that make some people get a rash and others have heart palpitations or breathing problems. I had a Dr. tell me to drink only hard alcohol in mixed drinks. It worked.
drs
06-13-2002, 03:49 PM
I know malt is a glutamate(sp?) and some people have reactions to them. Maybe with the liquor combined is whats causing the reaction. Also just 6 ounces of alcohol can deplete the body of 10 to 12 oz. of water, maybe in some cases the body is already slightly dehydrated along with the other factors. I know that synthetic hormone replacement made it hard for me to tolerate any alcohol. Now I take a triple nat. cream (tri-est) and it doesn't seem to bother me as much. Also for people who are allergic to glutamates its like the body is receiving a total overload of sugar, but in actualality there is not sugar in glutamates,which is worse cause the body is looking for sugar and there isn't enough in the blood stream for the overload signals that it's receiving. Just thought I share my theory too. Diana :)
Shakira
06-21-2002, 10:21 AM
I think I must have developed an allergy to alcohol a couple of years ago, going by these symptoms. What exactly can you drink?
drs
06-21-2002, 12:28 PM
Are you asking the first poster this question, or are you asking me.
I drink beer mainly. ;)
I drink beer mainly. ;)
Shakira
06-22-2002, 07:22 AM
:) I'm asking anyone what I can drink if I'm allergic to alcohol.
drs
06-22-2002, 03:01 PM
More than likely your allergic to alcohol :( Some times you need to try a little of this and that. Like try odouls amber, that's pretty good. Very low in alcohol but tasty. diana :)
Shakira
06-22-2002, 03:20 PM
odouls amber? I've never heard of that. What about vodka? But you wouldn't be able to drink so much of that, would you. Can you be allergic to Baileys?
drs
06-23-2002, 12:06 AM
If your allergic to alcohol it means just that.......Odouls Amber has a very small amount of alcohol, but enough that you have to be 21 to buy it. But if a person is severely allergic to alcohol even this would be too much. No bailey's or vodka though, very high Alcohol percentages in those. Diana
Shakira
06-23-2002, 09:50 AM
But what if you're just allergic to the sulphates and not the actual alcohol? What can you drink then?
drs
06-23-2002, 01:02 PM
If you don't know what your allergic to, keep a journal on the diff. things you've tried and what reactions you had. It's going to take some effort on your part.
Shakira
06-23-2002, 02:16 PM
Ok, thanks drs.
drs
06-24-2002, 01:11 AM
no problem, try not to do too much at one time though.
Flybynite
06-28-2002, 07:16 PM
I have experienced the red face and heat before
but just a few times. My main problem with alcohol
is that it swells my nasal passages and it takes
two or three days to get back to normal nasal
breathing. I am experimenting with whether it
is all alcohol or just beer, wine, etc.
Anyone have this symptom?
but just a few times. My main problem with alcohol
is that it swells my nasal passages and it takes
two or three days to get back to normal nasal
breathing. I am experimenting with whether it
is all alcohol or just beer, wine, etc.
Anyone have this symptom?
miseryweeps
06-28-2002, 10:54 PM
try drinking rum. it's made from sugar cane. apologies for the awful typing etiquette... :)
Flybynite
07-01-2002, 07:21 PM
I have been doing alot of reading on this and
have heard so many conflicting opinions. Some
say it is the sulfites, others say the yeast,
grain, corn, glutin, hops, barley, or just
alcohol itself causing the allergic reaction.
Some say it's not even an allergy it's an
'intolerance'. All I know is that beer and wine
both affect me the same way (haven't tried liquor
yet). This is a new thing to me I have been
drinking without any problems for years.
Sulfites, yeast, and alcohol are all common to
both beer and wine. Sulfites are in alot of
things besides alcoholic beverages so I doubt
it's that. Yeast is also in alot of things like
bread, so I guess it's the alcohol WHAT A DEAL
I hope I'm wrong.
have heard so many conflicting opinions. Some
say it is the sulfites, others say the yeast,
grain, corn, glutin, hops, barley, or just
alcohol itself causing the allergic reaction.
Some say it's not even an allergy it's an
'intolerance'. All I know is that beer and wine
both affect me the same way (haven't tried liquor
yet). This is a new thing to me I have been
drinking without any problems for years.
Sulfites, yeast, and alcohol are all common to
both beer and wine. Sulfites are in alot of
things besides alcoholic beverages so I doubt
it's that. Yeast is also in alot of things like
bread, so I guess it's the alcohol WHAT A DEAL
I hope I'm wrong.
lfantell
07-01-2002, 09:15 PM
I have found that if I drink even one beer, I become very bloated and end up with diarhea. However, I can drink vodka and have absolutely no problem. I also remember drinking a beer once and suddenly having an asthma attack. So for me, I think it is a problem with the ingredients in beer and not alcohol itself. I have also been trying to figure out if I have an allergy to wheat.
tenit
01-01-2003, 12:11 PM
Well someone suggested another option and it was naturally occuring histamines in the drinks. Last night about a quarter of the way into a beer I started to react. As we had people coming over I was grasping at straws and took a Sudafed. It was the fastest I have recovered from this condition. It usually takes 45mins minimum. Just trying to piece this puzzle together.
Penguin
01-13-2003, 10:50 PM
Hi,
I am allergic to the sulphites in wine. My face goes red and it can trigger an asthmatic attack for me. If you are reacting to beer perhaps you are sensitive to the yeast in the beer. Alcohol can cause vasodilation and if you know of any alcoholics you will notice that they always look flushed. Reactions to any foods and drink can lead to some very serious side effects. You should consider going to an allergist to get your triggers identified.
I am allergic to the sulphites in wine. My face goes red and it can trigger an asthmatic attack for me. If you are reacting to beer perhaps you are sensitive to the yeast in the beer. Alcohol can cause vasodilation and if you know of any alcoholics you will notice that they always look flushed. Reactions to any foods and drink can lead to some very serious side effects. You should consider going to an allergist to get your triggers identified.
CViller
04-28-2006, 03:22 AM
I have known for some time that I am mildly allergy to hops. Normally I drink liquor, but at some places, like baseball games, they only serve beer. Well, I can from time to time have one or two really lite beers with no ill effect. Bud Lite was a common choice in the past. But at a D-Backs game last year, towards the middle of my first Bud Lite, I started to get a little flushed and puffy, and my stomach started getting upset (the usual signs of my allergy). I put the beer down and chugged water the rest of the game. Aside from a little diarrea the next day I was fine, but couldn't figure out why my allergy set off, so I stayed away from beer all together, thinking my allergy got worse. Then yesterday (4-26-2006) my brother pointed out The Wall Street Journal article about Anhuaser-Busch. Turns out A-B had change the formula in Bud and Bud Lite and started adding more hops in early 2005. They didn't feel it neccessary to let their customers know, however. Has anyone else had a similar problem and could you recommend a "safe" really lite beer.
TtDream
04-28-2006, 11:47 AM
Allergic to beer no thank goodness.
Now sugary mixes like bourbon/Scotch and coke or just soft drinks alone upset my bladder so nothing to do with alcohol.
It’s to do with the acidity. I been to doc apparently it’s my lifestyle not much exercise sitting at a computer a lot of the day and night can cause a bit of urine to increase acidity and cause irritation trying to correct that I am back to a being much better then I was not always normal though depending on how much sugary foods I intake it seems.
Now sugary mixes like bourbon/Scotch and coke or just soft drinks alone upset my bladder so nothing to do with alcohol.
It’s to do with the acidity. I been to doc apparently it’s my lifestyle not much exercise sitting at a computer a lot of the day and night can cause a bit of urine to increase acidity and cause irritation trying to correct that I am back to a being much better then I was not always normal though depending on how much sugary foods I intake it seems.
parmenides
04-28-2006, 09:35 PM
I can't believe so many others are as confused about this as I am! I should post a link to my other thread: http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=386273
shadowcharmed
04-30-2006, 06:18 AM
Tried organic beer and wine? Not only do they not give you a hangover but I certainly find that the flushing of my face and neck that I get with ordinary wine doesn't happen with the organic versions.
Sorry if this has been covered already in this topic but I couldn't read all 8 pages as I'm meant to be working!!!
Sorry if this has been covered already in this topic but I couldn't read all 8 pages as I'm meant to be working!!!
agentbad
05-01-2006, 05:29 AM
hmmmm well gluten free beer might be worth a try. not sure if that is what you mean by organic because when i think of organic i think of expensive.
akalei
05-02-2006, 05:15 AM
I am almost 21 and when I started my first few drinks around 15/16 my face also turned red and it burned like hell. My eyes also went bloodshoot and watery. Sometimes it looked like I had pink eye. But that was only if I drank coolers. Like fruity flavored ones. Or Martini's. Depending on what the flavor was sometimes one tiny sip would do it, other times I could have the whole cooler before anything happened. Nothing happened if I drank beer (which is very rare cause Beer is gross. Or if I drank something like rum&coke or Vodka&coke). I too first figured maybe it was because it was because I wasnt used to drinking. But it turned out as I found out less than a year ago that I am acute allergic to something (i forget what it is now) in the alcohol
stepy3
05-30-2006, 01:00 PM
I'm 24 years old, I've been drinking hard alcohol since I've been about 16 or 17 years old. The past two years I've been noticing that I can't drink hard Alcohol like mixed drinks or shoots with out my face turning very bright red and it feels like its hard to breathe. Once this happens it could take up to an hour for the redness to go away. This does not happen with beer and sometimes if I've already had a few beers it takes two or more before this starts to happen. Any ideas on what this is? and how I can prevent it from happening?