Sep 29 2008
Uncommon Alcohol Allergies
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What would get together with friends be without alcoholic drinks? It would just be another kiddie. That is how a friend of mine has their gatherings. Their parties are purely laughing, singing and eating because almost all of them are allergic to alcohol.
Alcohol intolerance means you are more sensitive to the normal effects of alcohol. Alcohol can cause a variety of immediate adverse effects on the body, including headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain, nasal congestion, or warm, red, itchy skin. An alcohol allergy would be very uncommon but some of them tried tons of times with variety of drinks to overcome the allergic reaction of it but without success.
An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are harmless and no response to non- allergic people. Allergic people’s bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system are turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called “allergens.” To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.
The immune system is the body’s organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to recognize and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are capable of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction. It is enough to provoke severe rashes, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or collapse in some people. The aim of the immune system is to mobilize its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. One of the ways it does this is to create protective proteins called antibodies that are specifically targeted against particular foreign substances.
Treatments for alcohol allergies do not exist, only remedies. Drinking plenty of water to re-hydrate the body is crucial to overcome the nausea and stomach cramping. Eating saltine crackers for the salt will also settle your stomach and allow the body to absorb the salt loss due to overindulging. Antihistamines relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Things to avoid are seafood and nicotine, which can aggravate the symptoms of the alcohol allergy. Avoidance is always the best treatment for allergies regardless of which allergens are the triggers.
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