rum allergy

when i drink rum i wake up in in the middle of the night very congested and throughout the whole next day. I don't get hives or trouble breathing but unable to breath through my noise whatsover. Could it be an allergy?

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, alcohol is known to cause flushing in some individuals. You are not allergic to alcohol. It causes direct vasodilation of the skin, related either to alcohol directly or its metabolite, acetaldehyde.  Alcohol is oxidized to acetaldehyde in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This acetaldehyde is further converted to acetic acid by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. In some individuals due to abnormal or deficient acetaldehyde dehydrogenase will cause accumulation of acetaldehyde which is a potent trigger of flushing.

In addition, fermented alcoholic beverages such as wine contain vasoactive substances (such as tyramine, histamine and sulfites) that contribute to the flushing response. I hope this helped you. Take care and regards.