Allergies and ALCOHOL

Spring rain that helps the flowers bloom also means more pollen in the air where allergies can make you miserable. Coincidentally, when people feel miserable they may be more apt to have an alcoholic drink. Since April is Alcohol Awareness Month and a heavy allergy season, why not explore how one may exacerbate the other?

Alcohol has links with many potential health problems, but did you know it can also make allergy symptoms worse?

Discomfort after drinking alcohol such as stomach cramps, hives or unusual symptoms may be due to:

  • alcohol intolerance due to digestive issues
  • immune problems that result from alcohol consumption
  • reactions to ingredients other than alcohol, such as the histamines in red wine or gluten in beer and some liquors
  • alcohol decreasing the threshold levels to trigger allergic reactions