Alcohol Intolerance

Alcohol intolerance

It is an immediate unfavourable reaction after drinking alcohol. Skin flushing and stuffy nose are the major signs and symptoms. It occurs due to the accumulation of alcohol because in genetically predisposed people body unable to metabolize it.

Symptoms

Following are the signs and symptoms of alcohol intolerance:

• Diarrhea
• Flushing of skin
• Runny nose
• Itching
• Low blood pressure

Causes

It is an inherited disorder in which there is a lack of the proper enzyme which is involved in the metabolism of alcohol. Other substances present in beer and wine also produce some allergic reaction.

Complications

Complications of alcohol intolerance include:

• Headache
• Allergic reaction
• Anaphylactic shock

Prevention

The only preventive measure is to avoid drink alcohol.

Diagnosis

After doing physical examination your doctor may recommend the following tests:

• A blood test to measure the immune response
• Skin test to check the flushing

Treatment

Only symptomatic treatment will relieve the symptoms like antihistamine for allergic reactions and reduce the itching and flushing of the skin.Bottom of Form