Am I allergic to the wine I’m drinking? ASK THE DOCTOR
I NOTICED that I flush a lot when I drink. It’s a bit embarrassing. Could I be allergic? I have never had a problem with wine before!
Jayne, Co. Meath
TRUE alcohol allergy is rare but you may have alcohol intolerance. Forty per cent of north- east Asians suffer Asian flush syndrome, whereby t hey are missing an enzyme which breaks down alcohol when it gets into their system.
These can result in severe facial flushing, headache and sometimes vomiting. The same reaction can be seen in any individual who drinks alcohol while taking the antibiotic Metronidazole.
If you are not of Asian extraction, then my suspicion is that this is neither an enzyme deficiency nor an allergy, but maybe a possible intolerance. As a rule of thumb, red wine tends to cause the greatest reaction followed by whiskey, then beer.
It is possible to be allergic to the congers in alcohol — these are chemicals, which are added to give it its favour, body and aroma, rather than the alcohol itself. As alcohol increases the permeability of the gut, it means that foods you may be sensitive to may result in a more severe reaction when taken with alcohol, so the alcohol acts as a cofactor rather than the culprit.
Sulphites are a problem when it comes to reactions. They are used to preserve alcohol and prevent spoilage. One in 10 asthmatics react to them and facial flushing may be one of many symptoms which include wheezing, sneezing and rashes.
Sulphites are frequently found in wine. Histamine is also found in many alcoholic drinks, as it is a by-product of the fermentation process. We know that histamine mediates reactions such as hay fever and hives, so sourcing it through an alcoholic drink means it could make you flush, itch, or wheeze. Grains and chemicals, which are used as part of the brewing process, may also trigger allergies.
It is worth doing a trial and error test to determine which Every week Cork GP Dr Pixie McKenna answers your questions alcohol is more likely to give you symptoms — unless you want to go teetotal. As you are a wine drinker, read the label and ask for low-sulphite or sulphite free wine. The clearer the colour of the drink and often the more expensive it is, means it’s less likely to have an impact — so it may be a question of making pricey champagne your tipple! If you are allergic to eggs or seafood beware, processing agents made with these ingredients may be found in beer and wine. As mentioned, most aller- gic reactions are mediated by histamine so it is possible to take anti-histamine to temper them. But the combination of these pills and alcohol can often make you very drowsy. Medical problems such as the menopause, low blood sugar, carcinoid syndrome (a tumour in the endocrine system) and rosacea may all cause flushing with alcohol. Avoidance of alcohol is the cure in terms of self-help, but if your symptoms prove severe and/or progressive then you must seek medical advice.
LARYNGITIS is common and usually caused by a virus, against which antibiotics will be useless. The vocal cords become swollen so they can’t vibrate together effectively. The viruses implicated are the same ones that cause seasonal flu or the common cold.
Bacterial causes of laryngitis are less common but can occur and in these instances antibiotics are necessary. Often, the symptoms are accompanied by a sore throat or chest infection. It is also possible for laryngitis to be caused by a fungal infection but this would be more common in someone with an impaired immune system.
Laryngitis can also be caused by misuse of the voice. If it goes on for longer than three weeks it requires specialist input, as it’s more likely to be due to something other than infection. Everything ranging from allergy to acid reflux and vocal abuse needs to be considered. Try vocal rest and steam inhalation and if that doesn’t crack it ask your GP for a referral.