What Red Wine Does to Your Allergies

In severe cases, it can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. And if you already have allergies, bronchitis or asthma, drinking wine might cause you to be more miserable. Some people—twice as likely women—who drink wine experience immediate allergy symptoms like watery, itchy eyes, runny nose and a scratchy throat. One Swedish study showed that red wine and white wine are the most common causes of alcohol-induced sneezing and a runny, stuffy nose.

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The blood will then be sent to a laboratory to test for allergy-related antibodies called IgE antibodies. Blood testing can test for total levels of IgE or IgE levels against a specific allergen. People with an allergy to grapes or grape products may also have reactions to other foods. It’s important to distinguish between a wine allergy and alcohol intolerance. Although rare, it’s indeed possible to have an allergic reaction to wine. If you suspect you have an allergy to wine, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.

How is alcohol allergy diagnosed?

The understanding of how alcohol metabolism influences hypersensitivity reactions can significantly impact how these reactions are managed. For instance, individuals with certain genetic variants may benefit from avoiding alcohol or using specific therapies for allergic rhinitis treatment. This knowledge can also help individuals better manage their symptoms during certain allergy seasons, such as the Rhode Island allergy season. The first step in alcohol metabolism involves the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which converts alcohol to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a highly reactive compound that can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Certain genetic variations can slow this process down, leading to an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, which may enhance allergic reactions.

How can you differentiate between wine allergy and intolerance?

Immediate symptoms of a wine allergy appear soon after consumption and may include facial flushing, hives, or a skin rash similar to allergy rashes. Other symptoms could be wheezing, difficulty in breathing, or even anaphylaxis. These symptoms can occur within minutes of consumption, making them easily identifiable. If you have any severe or painful red wine sneezing symptoms after drinking alcohol, don’t just brush it off as alcohol intolerance. These side effects could be caused by a serious allergy and warrant a visit with your doctor to address your symptoms. What’s more concerning, however, is that some medications can lead to uncomfortable (even dangerous) side effects when combined with alcohol.

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• This article discusses allergies to alcohol, symptoms, triggers, tests, and treatment options.
• If you have a true alcohol allergy, even small amounts of alcohol can cause symptoms.
• A pinprick test or blood test with an allergist can confirm your particular allergies and help you avoid those allergens in what you eat and drink.
• Unbeknownst to many, Red Wine contains several potential allergens.
• An allergy to wine is believed to be rare, though an intolerance to wine that impacts roughly 10% of people.

These substances could be natural components of the grapes or substances introduced during the wine-making process. An allergist will begin by taking a detailed medical history, which includes the symptoms experienced, frequency of occurrence, and timing of reactions after wine consumption. This is followed by a physical examination to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Hypersensitivity reactions after wine consumption are adverse responses of the immune system to certain components found in wine. These reactions can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s sensitivity. Another curious source of allergens in Red Wine comes from insects!

What is the difference between alcohol allergy and intolerance?

• Intolerance is a condition where your body can’t break down alcohol effectively, which may be genetic or develop over time.
• Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
• If a person is allergic to red wine, the best way to prevent it is to avoid drinking it.
• Reactions of redness or swelling will often occur quickly if you’re allergic to the allergen.

• Plenty of articles cover sulfites in wine and tell us they are bad for our health, causing hangovers, headaches and worse.
• Sulphites are preservatives that are used in wine making to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth.
• Depending on your symptoms, they might refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment.
• Just as climate change has been exacerbating seasonal allergies, consumption of wine can aggravate other allergies, leading to more severe reactions.

What should I do if I am allergic to red wine?