Allergy to Alcohol?

[Liesel]

I am wondering if anyone has insight into allergy to alcohol. I am 39 and I have had allergic symptoms since I was about 18. I have completely stopped drinking many years ago but would occasionally like to have a drink. My reactions first started with mostly wine and champagne, but then I noticed it with beer as well. My heart would race/pound, I would get flushed and it just would feel like I was running a race. I would always have to drink lots of water and just wait as the reaction went through my body. There were times when alcohol was put in food, like a rum cake on my 21st birthday. I was so sick. Heart pounding and my body just tried to digest it and get rid of it quickly. Is this an allergy to alcohol itself or to sulfites or the lack of enzyme to digest through liver? I also have some food allergies and am very sensitive to preservatives/molds? I am wondering if anyone has a similar experience and if they are able to drink at all? I have had one allergist tell me it is impossible to be allergic to alcohol, and then my current allergist tells me that it isn't alcohol that one is allergic to, but WHERE the alcohol is derived from (i.e., rice, wheat, potato...) He states that if you are ok with a potato, then you should look for a potato-based alcohol to drink. I am a female -- 1/2 Polish and 1/4 German 1/4 Asian. Maybe it is my Asian descent?? How can I find out? Thank you!

[mynaisir]

It's less likely to be an allergy to alcohol than a defective enzyme (aldehyde dehydrogenase) that metabolises alcohol, common among people of Asian descent (although you being only one-quarter Asian is pushing it a bit). The symptoms you report all sound about right (flushed face, sickness), though , so I'm guessing it's that.

[Clanad]

Your Asian ancestry is most likely the culprit.  Numerous studies have been conducted into the observed predominance of alcohol allergic reaction in Asians (especially men).  The studies are related to similar findings in Native Americans, who, by genetic reference are related to Asian populations.  An enzyme deficiency, labeled ALDH2, caused by a mutant gene (ALDH2*2) appears to be involved. The most commonly observed phenomenan is flushing of the face, but other allergic reactions are also displayed.  Ironically, the observation of low alcoholism among this same population may be related to the enzyme deficiency...

[Clanad]

Our posts crossed in the ether, mynasir.  Your information is about the same as mine...

[smee.tracey]

Isn't potato based alcohol ie, moonshine, illegal?