About Allergies: Alcohol Allergy and the Holidays

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies The holidays are an excuse for many people to have a few alcoholic drinks -- and more often than not, a few too many. A little too much alcohol can result in a wide variety of symptoms, aside from the typical hangover that most of us are familiar with. These various reactions, such as flushing, hives or itching, could make you wonder if you could be allergic to alcohol. Allergic reactions to alcohol are possible, but are typically caused by ingredients other than the alcohol itself -- such as yeast or barley in beer, grapes in wine, or sulfites added as preservatives. All About Alcohol Allergy We've all enjoyed alcoholic beverages, and many of us have experienced the unpleasant side effects of enjoying these drinks a bit too much. But imagine if you couldn't drink alcohol -- not even a little -- because you experience uncomfortable reactions as a result. There are many reasons for these reactions, with allergies being only a small part of the causes of these reactions. Search Related Topics:  food allergies  skin testing  medication allergy Sulfite Allergy and Alcohol Sulfites are common preservatives used in various foods and medications. Sulfites have been used for centuries, mainly as food additives, but can also occur naturally in foods such as fermented beverages and wines. Sulfites cause little to no problems in most people without allergies and asthma, even when large amounts are consumed. However, sulfites are known to increase asthma symptoms in approximately 5% of asthmatics, particularly in adults with severe disease. Search Related Topics:  food allergies  skin testing  medication allergy Readers' Tips on Alcohol Reactions Many people have asked me whether or not it is possible to be allergic to alcohol. The answer is yes. Symptoms can range from flushing to nausea to itching to shortness of breath. If you have an alcohol allergy, share your experiences with having a reaction. How do you deal with it?Many people have asked me whether or not it is possible to be allergic to alcohol. The answer is yes. Symptoms can range from flushing to nausea to itching to shortness of breath. If you have an alcohol allergy, share your experiences with having a reaction. How do you deal with it? Search Related Topics:  alcohol allergy  alcohol for asthma  sulfite allergy Related Searches Allergies Treatment Food Allergies Alcohol Treatment Allergies Symptoms Food Allergy Featured Articles Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications Allergy Basics Frequently Asked Questions   More from About.com The Perfect Engagement Ring How to find a gorgeous ring with a style and price that suit your needs. Read more...> Hometown Holidays Discover the best holiday events near your hometown. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement