Hi

Thanks for posting the query.

Yes, after going through the history I do feel you are having an allergy to alcohol, but an atypical one. Usually a reaction to alcohol is caused by ingredients present in the drink, like sulphites, malt, yeast, etc.

Sulphites are one of the commonest chemicals found in wine and some beers which are known to trigger asthmatic reactions in people. Nausea, rashes, swelling, diarrhea and vomiting, are other symptoms and signs which are noticed when the drink is taken.

Secondly, there can be alcohol intolerance, which can cause dehydration, nausea or headaches as soon as the alcohol is consumed.

My advice to you is to avoid alcohol for few days, meanwhile, consult a good immunologist for allergic desensitisation and immunotherapy. For the emergency relief from the symptoms you can try taking antihistamines such as fexofenadine or levocetrizine.

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Thanks for writing back

When you are having allergy to alcohol it is wiser to avoid it any cost. Please consult a good allergic specialist or an immunologist for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy or allergic shots is a novel method of desensitising the body to allergens (the substance which induces allergy). This is done by injecting small doses of the substance you are allergic to, till the body gets totally desisitized to the allergen.

There are two ways to do this (i) subcutaneous injection of the allergen, (ii) sublingual administration of small doses of allergen. This will take few months to years, but it will be definitely beneficial to you.

I wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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