is it possible to be allergic to alcohol?

Answer 1

a body can be allergic to anything

Answer 2

Yes, I am one of the unfortunate, or fortunate depending on your style...
Alcohol can cause a variety of immediate adverse effects on the body. Studies show that some people are more sensitive to these effects than others are — although this doesn't mean that they have an alcohol allergy. A true allergic reaction involves the immune system.

Alcohol can cause headache, rapid heartbeat and nausea. Some people are especially sensitive to the stomach-irritating effects of alcohol and may develop heartburn, abdominal pain and even vomiting. Alcohol can also increase blood flow to parts of the body, such as the skin and the lining of the nose. This may result in warm, red, sometimes itchy skin, as well as nasal congestion. Rarely, a person may have sensitivity to the preservatives used in some wines and beers.

Many people of Asian descent experience an unusual flushing reaction after drinking alcohol — even in very small amounts. This is caused by a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to break down alcohol completely. Some research suggests that people who experience alcohol flush reaction may be at increased risk of alcohol-related conditions, such as cancer of the esophagus and liver disease.

The only solution to all of these problems is to avoid alcohol.

Answer 3

Yes I worked as a bartender and I have had customers tell me 2 make them a drink w/out this type of alcohol because they are allergic to it. Some people have had bad reactions to vodka for example

Answer 4

Yes very possible. I can't drink quite a few alcoholic drinks because of wheat allergy. also alcohol is techinically a poison to the body which is why you're sick when you drink too much, as your body makes you purge it. so maybe we all are allergic to alcohol to different degrees!!!

Answer 5

Yes. You can be allergic to either things in a particular type of alcholic drink, or the alcohol itself.

Answer 6

When a person drinks alcohol, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and broken down in a series of chemical reactions which take place with the help of enzymes.
One of the intermediate breakdown products is a fairly toxic chemical called acetaldehyde.
Most people have enough of an enzyme called "acetaldehyde dehydrogenase" to keep the level of acetaldehyde which accumulates in the system fairly low.
Some people (often they are ethnically Asian) are born with very low quantities of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. When they drink, they get sick, because too much acetaldehyde accumulates.

Answer 7

yes, actually

wine, specifically because all wine contains a preservative called sulfite and some people are allergic to that

just look up on the internet for sulfite allergies

other than that, alcohol like vodka or beer, I don't think there as as much of a chance for allergic reactions, but then again you never know

Answer 8

Yes. A human being can become allergic to anything at any time in their life.

Answer 9

Yes. Its also possible to be allergic to specific ingrediants in some drinks.
I'm allergic to cider, sadly. My eyes swell up, my nose runs and I sneeze.
Fortunately Baileys and Vodka have no unwanted side effects.

Answer 10

I think it is possible but very rare. Most people who suffer allergic reactions when drinking are allergic to specific things in the beverage (for example the yeast in beer). Others, especially those of Asian descent, suffer reactions to nthe chemicals released when alcohol is digested. Google alcohol reaction for more info... google is your friend.

Answer 11

Ingredients useds in alcohol are the cause for an 'alcohol allergy'.
E.g. Yeast, Corn, Eggs, Grapes, Molds, Sulfites and even Pesticides.
Pure alcohol is deadly if consumed anyway, without bringing allergies into the equation! :)