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Are You Allergic to Alcohol?

Summary: What causes an alcohol allergy?
Air Date: 7/24/15
Duration: 10
Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD
Guest Bio: Tim Mainardi, MD
Dr Tim Mainardi Dr. Tim Mainardi is a physician, researcher and educator who specializes in treating a host of allergic diseases. He holds certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. He is an expert in treating nasal and ocular allergies, asthma, sinusitis, anaphylaxis and diseases of the skin. He also is a thought leader in the field of complementary and alternative medicine in allergy.
Are You Allergic to Alcohol?
Just like any allergy, being allergic to alcohol can be mild or extremely deadly, depending on your sensitivity to it.

Even though you may not be directly allergic to alcohol, you might have an allergic reaction to an allergen like barely, hops, rye, wheat, gluten, yeast, sulfites, or histamines, all of which are commonly found in certain drinks.

What are the symptoms of an alcohol allergy?

Symptoms include stomach cramping, hives, nasal swelling, difficulty breathing, headache, heartburn, rapid heartbeat, and nausea.

What are safe alternatives to drink if you suspect you're allergic to alcohol?

Dr. Mainardi joins Dr. Leigh to discuss the symptoms of an alcohol allergy and alternative drinks you can choose instead.