An individual might not be aware that the burning in the stomach after consumption of alcoholic beverages can indicate alcohol intolerance. When it comes to alcohol intolerance, it is commonly referred to as an alcohol allergy since the condition can trigger allergy-like symptoms.
Most of the symptoms manifest within a span of a few minutes of consuming any alcoholic beverages and can instigate a severe reaction in rare cases, particularly among highly sensitive individuals. It is vital to stop drinking any alcoholic beverages until a doctor can be consulted so that proper assessment can be carried out.
What is alcohol intolerance?
Alcohol intolerance is triggered by a genetic condition that affects the ability of the digestive tract to properly digest alcohol. The small intestines do not have the right enzymes to break down alcohol, thus leaving the substances undigested in the body.
This condition is considered chronic and has no cure, aside from eliminating the alcohol from the diet. Remember that not all the symptoms of alcohol intolerance are linked to the alcohol itself, but might be due to other components or ingredients. Various alcoholic beverages contain gluten, yeast, grains, preservatives and chemicals that are capable of triggering a detrimental reaction in the body such as burning in the stomach.
What are the causes?
The burning in the stomach can be due to general irritation or inflammation brought about by histamine production. Since the alcohol stays undigested, it can exacerbate the lining in the intestines and stomach that results to pain and swelling.
Histamine is the by-product of brewing various alcoholic beverages that can lead to inflammation in the soft tissues in excess. Take note that histamine is naturally present in the body but when too much is generated or ingested, the stomach can end up inflamed.
Other symptoms
The burning in the stomach is not the only symptom to manifest due to alcohol intolerance. The typical symptoms that accompany the burning sensation include redness, itchy skin as well as nasal congestion, warmth in the skin, asthma, runny nose, headaches, increased heart rate, cramping, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain. For those who have Asian descent, an allergy to grains or other foods, have Hodgkin’s lymphoma or under antibiotic therapy, he/she faces a higher risk.
Possible complications
If the individual experiences burning in the stomach after consuming an alcoholic beverage, a doctor should be consulted since he/she might be experiencing a severe reaction.
The common complications of alcohol intolerance include anaphylaxis and migraines. The migraines are described as severe, localized headaches that can make the individual feel nauseous and improves by resting in a quiet, dark room. In uncommon cases, the individual might end up with anaphylaxis which requires immediate medical care.