Seeking medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. The primary cause of alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol efficiently. One of the key enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism is aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Alcohol intolerance, on the other hand, usually results in symptoms like facial redness or flushing, rapid heart rate, headache, can you become alcohol intolerant low blood pressure, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

• You may notice that even after drinking a small amount of alcohol, you don’t feel great.
• Although alcohol intolerance usually isn’t a serious issue as long as you don’t drink alcohol, you might want to discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment.
• If you’ve realised that your body is suddenly intolerant to alcohol, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to manage it and still enjoy your social life.

Medical tools and resources

• Another medicine called disulfiram (Antabuse) is actually designed to cause alcohol intolerance to help people stop drinking.
• On top of that, as we age, many of us start taking more medications, and some of these can interact with alcohol in ways that further disrupt how it’s processed.
• It’s caused by inherited or genetic traits that are commonly found in the Asian population, says Parker.
• Unfortunately, nothing can prevent reactions to alcohol or ingredients in alcoholic beverages.

If you have any of these symptoms or you are with someone who does, you should immediately seek emergency help by calling 911. If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Avoid Certain Medications

• This response counters alcohol’s impairing effects, and we may not feel as “intoxicated” as a result.
• Genetic alcohol intolerance will not begin suddenly and will always be present from birth.
• If you take too much Danziten, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
• You may notice a feeling of warmth in the skin of your face as the blood flow increases.
• Some people may become worried about a more significant medical reason for not being able to drink like they used to, while others may feel social or career-related pressures to drink.

Developing sudden-onset alcohol intolerance does not mean you have a medical condition. However, it’s always a good idea to be checked by a doctor—especially if you’ve noticed any other concerning symptoms in your general health. Reasons for low tolerance can include lower body weight, genetics, overall health, and the body not being used to metabolizing alcohol.

Lower Tolerance vs Intolerance

Integrated care models involving various healthcare professionals are recommended to manage alcohol withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse. Alcohol intolerance requires careful management, with the primary strategy being avoidance of alcohol to prevent symptoms. Diagnosing alcohol intolerance involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests.

Alcohol intolerance is a medical condition that prevents your body from breaking down alcohol normally. The condition leads to a build-up of the chemical acetaldehyde, which can cause unpleasant symptoms like flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting. Alcohol intolerance is most common in people of Asian descent but can occur in anyone. Chronic symptoms and conditions may develop over time, especially in those who continue to consume alcohol despite intolerance.