Allergy to alcohol

[archhippy]

I suffer with hot flushes vomiting and splitting headaches whenever i drink a small amount of alcohol.Some people say its only an excuse but its not has any one else got this alergie so i can say im not alone.

[rekstout]

My wife definitely does, she cannot drink at all. If she so much as has a sherry trifle she will do all of the above and have a week-long hangover. On the bright side it does make our restaurant bills rather smaller than they would be. Many far-eastern people have an intolerance for alcohol as well.

In terms of the cost-saving and health implications it's as much a blessing as a curse.

It is amazing how many people don't believe you though when you say you are allergic to alcohol and insist on giving you a "proper" drink - rather insulting really - they wouldn't do that to a Muslim or recovering alcohilic! You're not alone!

[wildwood]

I don't suffer from that allergy doodlebug, but my total annual alcohol consumption is less than a dozen cans and I don't like spirits at all.
If people don't respect your wish not to consume alcohol, for whatever reason, perhaps it is time you looked around for some new friends to hang out with.

[froggequene]

I don't think it matters whether you're alone with this allergy or not, your friends should respect your choice not to drink. Your reaction sounds quite worrying actually and if I was one of your friends I would actively discourage you from drinking.

[tracymort]

what sort of drink are you allergic too? i know some can't have beer/ale due to yeast rather than being allergic to the actual alcohol.

[Kit]

Firstly, I completely agree - it's completely up to you as to how much or indeed whether you drink - stick to your guns, you don't have to drink to have a good time! Secondly, as a matter of interest, it's often not the alcohol itself that causes reactions, but what your body turns it into. Alcohol is turned into several chemicals when it's processed by the liver - for instance, aldehyde, which triggers asthma in some people. It's not a true allergy as such, but definitely an adverse reaction, and a fair amount of research has been published in medical journals. Thankfully I don't react as badly as you do - my nose blocks up and I start wheezing, but it's still not pleasant.

[coemgen]

I used to drink a lot when I was younger but since I had my youngest 3 years ago, I cannot drink at all.Even the smell makes me feel nauseous. When I tell people I don't drink, they either keep on at me all night telling me I am a misery for not drinking, or they assume I am a recovering alcoholic.Why is it so frowned upon not to drink? Also why do people assume that you can't enjoy yourself unless you do?

[archhippy]

thankyou i know i shouldn't use this for thanking you but hey thankyou! im only 17 and so far all allchaholic drinks tried cause vasious stages of reaction. my friends are totally surportive its the regulars at the pub,how ironic,where i work who dont understand. thanks again pippa.

[Cathy]

If people pester you about not drinking, try volunteering to drive. It can make you quite popular, as no one has to catch a bus or find a taxi.

[archhippy]

if theres one upside to being like the way i am its watching the other people get drunk! and also if Kit if your reading this could the allergy be linked with acid intergestion/heart burn?I suffer with it from time to time. And driving well good point when i learn.pip

[Wee Kaz]

Doodlebug, my little sister suffers from this allergy only she takes hot flushes and her face and arms come out in big red blotches but fortunately it's only the initial reaction, after an hour or so it eventually wares off. Best thing for you to do is to go to your doc. Good Luck

[Mytholmroyd]

Have you tried organic/vegetarian wine/beer? A friend of mine can drink this with no ill effects but is violently ill with anything else.

[archhippy]

thanx with the crimbo season in full swing i needed other allternatives from schloer wich is my drink of choice.

[quattro]

My son gets a similar reaction too so he managed to isolate it to certain drinks which he stays clear of . Vodka is one of the main culprits as its in a lot of alcopops I am also alergic to Vodka I get flushed and short of breath if I drink it .