Three Asian Alcohol Allergy Facts You Need to Know

The condition called Asian flush is really just another term for alcohol allergy. Simply put, anyone who has this will experience a number of different symptoms after imbibing alcoholic drinks. If you suspect that you have this condition, there are a couple of important facts about it that you need to commit to memory.

#1- Asians aren't the only ones affected.

Statistics show that around 50% of Asians are affected by this condition. The term is a bit misleading though simply because Asians are not the only victims. People of Caucasian ancestry can also suffer from it. You'll know for sure if you have it if you drink a glass or two of anything alcoholic. If you begin to experience a couple of different symptoms, then you definitely have an allergy to alcohol.

Regardless of who has it, the condition can be a source of embarrassment and frustration. You don't want to look like a cherry in front of your friends or business associates when you're on a night out. The most common way to avoid it is not to drink at all but that would mean missing out on all the fun.

#2- The symptoms can be uncomfortable and disturbing.

The reddening of the skin, especially around the face is the first and most common symptom of the condition. It is not the only one however. The color quality can actually become splotchy and rashes that are elevated above the skin may appear. These will start to feel itchy and warm. Other than the common skin signs, other alcohol allergy symptoms include difficulty breathing, nausea and headaches. Pulse rates are also usually quick.

You can choose to ignore the fact that you have the condition. It usually isn't a good idea though. The symptoms are highly uncomfortable and you will hardly be able to ignore the resulting itchiness and heat. Even if you do manage to ignore what you're feeling, the people around you will surely notice.

#3- The cause is biological in nature.

The real key to getting a drink without incident is rooted in biology. Just like everything else we eat or drink, alcoholic beverages are metabolized by the body. If you have an allergy to alcohol however, the normal processing of alcoholic drinks is impaired. This is because the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 is inactive in Asian flush sufferers. The toxic substance acetaldehyde that then comes with alcoholic drinks remains intact. This is what can lead to the allergic reactions.

Because the root cause is biological, it isn't very easy to find an excellent solution for it. Some sufferers claim that aspirin or other forms of medication not originally intended for treating Asian flush have reduced their symptoms. Experts maintain though that these medications are not medically proven to cure the condition and may even do more harm than good by creating false confidence in sufferers.

There's nothing great about an alcohol allergy. If you have some symptoms showing though, you owe it to yourself to find out as much as possible about the condition. Being informed is the best start to finding a sensible and safe solution.