Alcohol consumption can trigger ethanol allergies in some people.
Ethanol is a chemical present in alcoholic beverages. Ethanol allergies are indicative of an intolerance to alcohol. This occurs when an important enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase or ALDH does not effectively oxidize alcohol in the liver.
Symptoms
According to Food Allergies, symptoms of ethanol intolerance include heart palpitations, nasal congestion, headache, low blood pressure and stomach pain. These side effects usually occur shortly after alcohol has been ingested.
The ALDH gene
The ALDH gene or aldehyde dehydroxide is found in the liver. ALDH oxidizes alcohol and then turns some into the usable energy of acetic acid. Some people have an altered form of ALDH gene and this prevents alcohol oxidation.
Considerations
Antibiotics such as Mitronidazole may also bring about allergy symptoms. And since many wines contain histamine, this could also increase the effect of the allergic reaction to ethanol.
Prevention/Solution
Most people can enjoy the taste of alcohol without the side effects by switching to non-alcoholic beverages. For example, non-alcoholic red wine contains antioxidants without ethanol.
Warning
Wrong Diagnosis states that ethanol is a teratogen and these agents are known to cause birth defects. Whatever your condition, if you think you are allergic to ethanol, seek the advice of a medical professional.
Tags: ALDH gene, side effects