Beer allergy

Beer allergy is a disease that many people laugh at because they think it doesn't exist. However, this type of allergy does exist, and although it can't be called widespread (like, say, pollen or chocolate allergy), it still bothers some people.

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Causes of beer allergy

The causes of beer allergy can be different. First of all, it should be noted that there is no allergy to the soft drink as such. The body's reaction occurs due to intolerance or hypersensitivity to one of the components of the drink (yeast, barley malt or hops).

Also, an allergy to beer can occur if you:

• You drink the beverage frequently or drink it in large quantities.
• You suffer from alcohol intolerance in general.
• Sensitive to flavorings, preservatives or colorings contained in beer (most often in cheap varieties).
• In rare cases – in diseases of the cardiovascular system.

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Symptoms of beer allergy

As we have already found out, if a person's condition worsens after drinking beer, it means that their body is sensitive to one of the components included in the drink. Allergy symptoms directly depend on which component you are intolerant to.

Allergy to barley malt

Barley malt (or, to be more precise, the LTP protein it contains) is usually intolerable to people who suffer from pollen allergies. If you notice the following symptoms after drinking beer, then your body is sensitive to barley malt:

• Cough.
• Unpleasant sensations in the chest.
• Swelling of the lips and tongue.
• Dizziness.
• Tingling in the facial area.
• Hives (intensely itchy welts that resemble nettle stings).

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Allergy to hops

Hops are one of the main components of beer, which gives the drink a bitter taste. You can't stand it if after the first sips you become the "lucky" owner of:

• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye).
• Runny nose.
• Hives.
• Signs of bronchial asthma (cough, shortness of breath).

Yeast allergy

You are allergic to the alcohol component of beer if you notice the following symptoms:

• Heartburn.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin rash.
• Stomach pain.
• Sore throat.
• Cough and difficulty breathing.

Another symptom of beer allergy is tachycardia (increased heart rate) and increased blood pressure.

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Diagnosis and treatment of beer allergy

Fortunately, often the unpleasant symptoms that occur when one of the components of an alcoholic drink is intolerant pass within a few hours. Then the person, taking them for a temporary ailment, continues to have fun with friends over a glass of beer.

But it is important to remember that beer allergy, although a rather rare disease, can still lead to serious consequences. Therefore, at the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor:

• To the allergist.
• To the therapist.
• To the family doctor.

A qualified specialist will conduct an examination and identify the true cause of the allergic reaction.

Today, modern medicine is unable to completely cure this type of allergy, so you can provide yourself with the best treatment. The recipe is simple - do not drink beer at all!

If you feel symptoms of a beer allergy after the first sips of the drink, you can take antihistamines:

• Diphenhydramine – 30-50 mg up to three times a day (but not more than 250 mg per day).
• Loratadine and Agistam – 1 tablet 1 time per day.

But remember that you should never take any medications if you have drunk at least half a liter of beer! This can only worsen the situation, and the disease will become more severe.

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Prevention

If you have noticed symptoms of beer allergy, know that this disease cannot be completely overcome. It is also quite difficult to get rid of it by taking medications due to the incompatibility of drugs with alcohol. The only sensible solution would be to stop drinking beer. In addition:

• Avoid products that contain the same components as beer (baked goods, kvass, champagne, pasta).
• If the first symptoms of allergy appear, consult a doctor. It may be just a consequence of other, more serious diseases.

An allergy to beer, as paradoxical as it may sound, is perhaps one of the few diseases that will help the patient lead a healthy lifestyle, because it is impossible to get rid of it without giving up drinking alcoholic – and, it must be said, harmful – beverages.