Is it possible to develop an allergy to alcohol?

[lana29]

This question sounds ridiculous, I’m embarrassed to share but I use to drink alcohol. Early 20s no issues, just Saturday out drinking! Vodka/coke and mixing my drinks too aka cocktails. Then at 25 I ended up with severe stomach pains, heartburn and one time it lasted days ended up at a&e and told then it’s reflux. I’ve since seen doctors and now under a gastroenterologist? - basically they’ve just done bloods and said reflux. After the last time I drank I had problems with my throat for months and stomach for days. Doctor then went silent reflux! Eventually it went and I was put off alcohol, ever since now when I drink I get the throat issue no matter how much water I drink and swallowing and everything becomes difficult days after drinking. I also feel itchy below and I know people would say thrush, but Friday I drank alcohol and felt itchy there all night (irritated) then it cleared next day then tonight I’ve had some alcohol and the feel is back! It sounds mad! Gynaecology did diagnose desqumative inflammatory vaginitis but I just feel I can’t tolerate alcohol these days? Should I be worried (26) I know people would say simple solution - don’t drink! But when I’m in my 20s and everyone around me :( I feel judged

You can develop allergies at any point in life so it's possible it's an allergy.

It is fine to not drink if you want, you feel judged but doesn’t mean you are.
I think you should be asking your gp tbh, people on the internet can’t diagnose you. My other half has a hiatus hernia and has to take regular medication. If you have been told you have reflux were you offered any help with that?

An allergy to the sulphates in wine is quite common.

It could be a specific type of alcohol.

But TBH not being able to drink alcohol can only be a bonus.
And if they are your friends they will understand.

I have a very similar issue when I drink alcohol. After years of process of elimination, I have narrowed it down to the draft juice from the gun thing. I clearly have an intolerance to something in that. I very rarely drink now, but if I do have the odd one, I always buy canned mixers and it definitely makes a difference.

Yes it is possible to develop it.

I have a lot of weird after-effects from white wine. You could try not mixing anything and see what happens, e.g. a single neat vodka then only water. If that’s fine, then two. If not, try something else.

Cheap wine can be an issue for me, I keep meaning to try organic to see if it helps.
Last glass I poured myself on Christmas Eve I couldn’t finish and poured the bottle away.
Made me feel terrible and really flushed but
Baileys I don’t have any problems with.

Thanks everyone so far, I have spoke to GP and raised with gastro but they brush it off - is there a way to find out for sure? Like some test or unlikely?

You could ask a private GP. I doubt than any NHS doctor would want to expend resources on it.

Yes I developed a serious allergy to alcohol and dairy at 59 and am now an enforced teetotal vegan. I'm not happy about it.

Take an antihistamine and see if it helps?

Speak to a pharmacist to get some advice.

Yes I developed an allergy to wine in my early 30s. I get fever, itching and cough up blood when I drink wine. Obviously I don't touch it now!

Yes, my friend has one. X

Just tell people you're allergic to alcohol if they ask to buy you a drink problem solved. I have reflux so don't drink, I just say I have an allergy and that's it. X

Yes, I know someone who in their forties developed an allergy to alcohol. They came out in a rash whenever they drank, so they gave up drinking,

young son 18 had severe gastric reflux was put on various meds and booked for a upper gi and biopsy.
result: extreme allergy to alcohol.

I'm 100% the same. Started in my early 30's but seems to be getting worse.
Flush bright red, hives, itchy hot skin (after only a sip or two)

It was initially white wine but seems to happen with spirits now too. 😔

Yes you can and it can be very specific. Not all vodka for example is made from the same base ingredient- it can be potato or grain so you could even find within one type of alcohol that brands differ - fine with some and not with others. If you can narrow it down you might not need to exclude all.

What you are describing doesn't sound like an allergy. What type of alcohol are you drinking? Acidic drinks like cider, champagne/prosecco or white wine can cause heartburn and irritate existing conditions like your hiatus hernia. Also beer and wine contain yeast and sugar so can cause yeast infections such as thrush. If you really do want to carry on drinking it may be a case of finding a drink that suits you through trial and error. I'd imagine something like gin/vodka with tonic/soda would be best