How long does it take for alcohol intolerance to show?
Some sufferers may experience alcohol intolerance symptoms shortly after consuming alcohol – roughly 20 or 30 minutes – with some finding the runny nose and flushed face occurring first.
Respiratory reactions also tend to happen quickly, including shortness of breath and quickening of your heart rate. The signs and symptoms depend on how much alcohol has been drank and individual tolerances.
How long do alcohol intolerance symptoms last?
If the intolerance is severe, symptoms like major headaches can occur that can carry on for one or two hours. Every person, situation, and severity are different, and not everyone will experience intolerances the same way.
The most effective way to stop alcohol intolerance is by halting or restricting consumption of alcohol – non-alcoholic drinks can be useful in social situations.
Intolerance tests can help you to understand what it is that you’re intolerant to, as it may be that it is ingredients within certain drinks that are causing you discomfort and other beverages may be okay for you to consume. If you suffer from what you think might be an alcohol intolerance, it is important to understand which ingredient of the drink is causing you issues (is it the gluten? or the fruit?). With this knowledge, you can choose alternatives to help you avoid the symptoms of alcohol intolerance.
Advice for alternatives
It is widely known and understood that over consumption of alcohol is generally bad for your health. However, many of us enjoy a drink in moderation.
If you suffer from alcohol intolerance, it is important to understand which ingredient of the drink causes a problem for you (such as wheat, the gluten in the wheat, fruit or yeast). With this knowledge, you can choose alternatives to help you avoid the symptoms of alcohol intolerance.
How to Test for Alcohol Intolerance
To determine if you have alcohol intolerance, you may want to consider the following testing options:
Genetic Testing
Alcohol intolerance is often associated with a deficiency in the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is crucial for metabolising alcohol. Genetic testing can help identify mutations in the ALDH2 gene that are linked to this condition.[3] This type of alcohol intolerance test is typically performed in a medical setting where a healthcare professional collects a DNA sample (usually through a blood sample or cheek swab), and the sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
At-Home Blood Test Kits
There are various home-to-laboratory test kits that can help identify sensitivities to common ingredients found in alcoholic beverages. These tests typically measure the immune system’s IgG response to different substances. For example, YorkTest’s Premium Food Intolerance Test is a reliable and easy-to-use option that tests common ingredients found in alcoholic beverages, such as certain grains, yeast, fruits, or additives. Because genetic causes of alcohol intolerance are uncommon, this type of test is a great place to start for most individuals.
Any abnormal or concerning results from an alcohol intolerance test or similar test kit should be followed up with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and confirmation through more comprehensive testing if necessary.
Scientific References
- Wüthrich B. Allergic and intolerance reactions to wine. Allergol Select. 2018 Sep 1;2(1):80-88. doi: 10.5414/ALX01420E. PMID: 31826033; PMCID: PMC6883207.
- Morozova TV, Mackay TF, Anholt RR. Genetics and genomics of alcohol sensitivity. Mol Genet Genomics. 2014 Jun;289(3):253-69. doi: 10.1007/s00438-013-0808-y. Epub 2014 Jan 7. PMID: 24395673; PMCID: PMC4037586.
- Shin MJ, Cho Y, Davey Smith G. Alcohol Consumption, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Gene Polymorphisms, and Cardiovascular Health in Korea. Yonsei Med J. 2017 Jul;58(4):689-696. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2017.58.4.689. PMID: 28540979; PMCI