developed reaction to *some* beer and wine

Hello - I'm a 28yr old male, living in the US. Around 23yr old, developed small reaction to red wine and some beer (specifically Hefeweizen). Reaction has become severe over the years and now includes nearly all wines and beers (even bud light) and the reaction is more severe. I have no other food reactions that I know of.

Reaction description: difficulty swallowing, breathing, shortness of breath, Benadryl clears it up completely and quickly.

Tried a sip of wine during my honeymoon in Greece last month to test the reaction. It was local house wine, no reaction what-so-ever. First time in years that I could enjoy wine with no issues.

Anyone have an idea of what it is that I am allergic to?

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, the condition strongly suggests angioedema which is due to hypersensitivity reaction (type 1). One thing is certain that alcohol is an allergen to you and subsequent exposure to it can cause complications. Hence, you need to quit the alcohol completely.  In addition, fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine contain vasoactive substances (such as tyramine, histamine and sulfites) that contribute to the allergic response.

You need to keep always antihistaminic with you. You also need to rule out other allergens which you are sensitive to. Drugs like amoxicillin, certain painkillers, certain garments, environmental allergen and certain food (fish, mushroom, peanuts, soy etc) can also cause such reaction.

You need to keep track of things (maintain a diary) you were exposed to such as food, cloths, drugs etc. and you should avoid further exposure.

This is a emergency condition because there will be associated laryngeal edema leading to breathing problems. Drugs like Adrenaline, anti-histaminics and corticosteroids are the standard mode of treatment which should be taken after consultation from physician or hospital. Take care and regards.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, the condition strongly suggests angioedema which is due to hypersensitivity reaction (type 1). One thing is certain that alcohol is an allergen to you and subsequent exposure to it can cause complications. Hence, you need to quit the alcohol completely.  In addition, fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine contain vasoactive substances (such as tyramine, histamine and sulfites) that contribute to the allergic response.

You need to keep always antihistaminic with you. You also need to rule out other allergens which you are sensitive to. Drugs like amoxicillin, certain painkillers, certain garments, environmental allergen and certain food (fish, mushroom, peanuts, soy etc) can also cause such reaction.

You need to keep track of things (maintain a diary) you were exposed to such as food, cloths, drugs etc. and you should avoid further exposure.

This is a emergency condition because there will be associated laryngeal edema leading to breathing problems. Drugs like Adrenaline, anti-histaminics and corticosteroids are the standard mode of treatment which should be taken after consultation from physician or hospital. Take care and regards.

[jsabe]

Hi Dr Rajput - thank you very much for your reply. I did fail to mention that I have never had a reaction to liquor (Vodka, Whiskey, etc.). Therefore, when I am in a social setting where I would like to drink, I simply avoid beer and wine. Does this data point rule out any of the three vasoactive substances? Right now, in my best judgement, all signs point to sulfites. Would you agree/disagree?

Thanks again..