Introduction
Alcohol intolerance is a disease that results from the development of a negative response to alcohol drinking and f Alcohol intolerance is a condition that generates a low-tolerance reaction to alcohol, which may appear shortly after consuming even small amounts of alcohol. This reaction happens because a person’s body cannot adequately metabolize alcohol or some of the substances formed when it is metabolized. It is worthy to note that while an allergy has to do with the immune system, intolerance to alcohol revolves round metabolic factors. In this paper, the author explores the factors, manifestations, and approaches towards coping with alcohol intolerance to give a thorough insight into the same.
What is Alcohol Intolerance?
Alcohol intolerance is a disease brought about by a malfunction in the metabolism of alcohol and results in some uncomfortable effects. This condition is different from an alcohol allergy in which individuals have a reaction to alcohol in which the body’s immune system is affected and more serious reactions can occur.
Genetic Predisposition
Alcohol intolerance stems from a change in genes that lack usual responsibilities in processing alcohol. Particularly, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) has the major function of transforming the toxic product of alcohol breakdown known as acetaldehyde into acetate, a less hazardous substance. A deficiency of ALDH in individuals with alcohol intolerance is the reason why acetaldehyde builds up in the bloodstream and is what causes the manifestations of this disease.
Symptoms of Alcohol Intolerance
The manifestations of alcohol intolerance usually begin soon after alcohol has been taken. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
Skin Flushing: Skin warmth coupled with erythema common on the face, neck and chest.
Nasal Congestion: Problem of breathing through the nose is a common symptom because the nasal passage way may swell up.
Headaches: Headache or migraine – constant and or throbbing type, associated commonly with vasodilation and buildup of acetaldehyde.
Nausea and Vomiting: The way the body, reacts to the presence of toxin in the body.
Increased Heart Rate: This is also referred to as tachycardia, and this is a normal response where the body tries to cover up for the strain being put on it by alcohol.
Causes of Alcohol Intolerance
Enzyme Deficiency
As earl y pointed out, alcohol intolerance is mostly as a result of a deficiency in ALDH enzymes. This deficiency is often correlated to a gene mutation, which is more prevalent in particular ethnic groups, most noticeably Asia’s eastern countries.
Histamine Intolerance
Histamine is present in foods and drinks, including alcoholic ones. DAO deficiency is a condition in which histamine intolerance individuals present reduced levels of diamine oxidase, which has the role of decomposing histamine in the human body. Therefore, taking alcoholic products, especially those with more histamine, such as red wine, leads to the manifestation of alcohol intolerance.
Sulfite Sensitivity
Sulfites are preservatives that are use in the preparation of some alcoholic products like wine, beer among others. Also, Sulfites can cause a range of respiratory problems, including wheezing and shortness of breath because when ingested with stomach acidity sulfur dioxide gas is released.
Recently the diseases under discussion have been classified as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Post-Viral Fatigue.
CFS and PVF are diseases in which a person experiences severe exhaustion that does not disappear even after they get sufficient amounts of sleep. These works claimed that such patients are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, for instance, through the alteration of the Autonomic Nervous System or neuro-inflammation.
Twelve Reasons for Conflating Alcohol Intolerance with Alcohol Allergy
Also, one needs to differentiate between alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy since the treatment of these conditions is rather different.
Alcohol Intolerance
Mechanism: Disorder of metabolism because of low enzyme levels.
Symptoms: Redness of the skin, headaches, stuffy nose, upset stomach, tachycardia.
Management: Symptomatic treatment: Three to four units of alcohol per day.
Alcohol Allergy
Mechanism: Allergic manifestation to the proteins possibly present in the preparation of alcohol or its components.
Symptoms: First, hasty, squeaky, red, inflamed, severe gastroenteritis, anaphylactic shock.
Management: Cessation of alcohol consumption and in the worst cases use of antihistamine or adrenaline, such as an EpiPen in an allergic reaction.
Factors That Can Worsen Alcoholic Chronic Intolerance
Histamine Intolerance
Histamine intolerance is the condition in which the body fails to metabolize histamine properly and this results in such effects as flushing, headaches and gastrointestinal upsets resulting from alcohol drinking. They also observed that red wine, which is considered rather dangerous, contains a great deal of histamine.
Sulfite Sensitivity
Sulfite sensitivity is another disorder that causes an escalation in alcohol intolerance. Sulfites, the preservatives in action used in alcoholic beverages are known to cause reactions that affect the respiratory system wherever one is found. Despite the fact that there is a difference between sulfite sensitivity and sulfite allergy, the reaction is unpleasant and may call for avoiding of sulfite containing beverages.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Alcohol greatly triggers the symptoms of CFS and people with this type of CF are encouraged to avoid alcohol completely. The exact process is not quite clear, however, alcohol is supposed to have an impact on the conditions of the autonomic nervous system and increase the levels of acetate that plays a role in the further deterioration of the functioning of the brain areas characterized by high metabolic rates.
Social Intolerances and Alcohol Treatment
The recommended and often the only treatment for alcohol intolerance is alcohol abstinence. However, if complete abstinence is not feasible, the following strategies may help manage symptoms:However, if complete abstinence is not feasible, the following strategies may help manage symptoms:
Limiting Alcohol Intake: Cutting down how much alcohol a person drinks also helps to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Choosing Low-Histamine Beverages: Those people who want to diminish the responses choosing alcoholic drinks, it is better to take vodka or gin since they contain less histamine.
DAO Supplements: Several DAO users claim that this DAO enzyme benefits histamine intolerance persons as the former assist with histamine breakdown in the body. Still, most of the above supplements can have limited effectiveness, and their usage should be controlled by a healthcare professional.
Epinephrine for Severe Reactions: An example of an action is carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (or EpiPen) when anaphylactic is present. Such cases require urgent health intervention and the patient should be referred to a doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Drinking intolerance is a condition that touches many people, especially those with a hereditary or pathological background. It is essential to identify the causes and manifestations of aggravated alcohol intolerance in order to minimize the risk of worsening the situation. In this regard, individuals can overcome pain and other symptoms that they experience in result of the histamine intolerance and have a healthy life if they organize their life with an adequate approach towards consuming substances that are rich in histamine.
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