What does an allergy to substances contained in wine look like, and what can you do about it?

An allergy to alcohol shows up with similar symptoms to those of other typical allergies – itching, swelling, rashes, and problems with breathing. If you’re interested in finding out how allergies to the substances contained in wine arise and how you can help someone suffering from them, read this article.

While allergies to the compounds contained in wine are rare, they do exist. Most often, they are experienced by people who have asthma or those who are sensitive to certain foods.

How does an allergy to the substances contained in wine arise?

Allergies to these substances arise when a person’s body is incapable of breaking them down. That’s to say, the cause isn’t found within the wine itself. Which substances are we talking about?

Histamine – histamine arises during fermentation and it can cause an allergic reaction. Histamine is a common compound in the human body, which influences blood pressure and carries nerve impulses. However, some people don’t have enough of a particular enzyme that breaks histamine down.
Sulfites – they’re used as preservatives and can provoke an asthma attack or other allergic reactions. In comparison with red wine, white wine contains greater amounts of sulfites.
Impurities – problems can be caused by grains, spices, or herbs that are added to the alcohol.

How do allergies to these substances manifest?

When you drink alcohol, you may experience a feeling of warmth or reddening of your complexion. This is a normal reaction, so don’t interpret it as an allergy, but just as the dilation of blood vessels. However, you should pay attention if the following symptoms appear. These are the signs of an allergy to the substances contained in wine.

A rash or itchy skin
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or extremities
Tingling in the mouth
Problems breathing
Accelerated heart rate
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Anaphylactic shock

What can you do about allergies to the substances contained in wine?

If you have an allergy to one of the substances found in wine, you should exclude it from your menu. However, sensitivity to alcohol varies from individual to individual. It could therefore be the case that you’ll be able to drink wine all evening without noticing any symptoms. But when you drink beer, your skin itches after the first sip. So it’s important to observe which type of alcohol isn’t right for you.

Tip: If you want to test which drinks give you trouble, don’t mix types of alcohol during an evening. Always choose one type that you’ll drink the whole time. Then you can assess how much is okay to indulge in the symptoms appear. Or if you’ll need to avoid that type of alcohol entirely.

Food allergies – first aid

You can stop a mild allergic reaction by administering antihistamines. However, if you’re encountering a more serious case of food allergies, call for an ambulance and proceed according to the instructions the dispatcher provides. And even in these cases, antihistamines in the form of tablets or an adrenaline injection pen can alleviate the patient’s condition. If the person has very strong allergies, they should have the pen and the pills with them at all times.

Some final advice

Although allergies to the substances in wine are unusual, they may appear at any age. The main thing is to test what type of wine gives rise to the allergic reaction. And if you’re having frequent or severe symptoms, you should seek out medical help.