Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAllergy vs. IntoleranceSymptomsAllergens in WineTreatment and PreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Allergy vs. Intolerance
Symptoms
Allergens in Wine
Treatment and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
In some people, intolerance or allergy to alcohol can also result in uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms. This article discusses allergies to alcohol, symptoms, triggers, tests, and treatment options.
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Although an intolerance may cause similar symptoms to allergies, intolerance is not the same as an allergy.
People with an intolerance to a food or beverage may experience symptoms that are uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Those who have an allergy, however, could have serious reactions if they consume something they are allergic to.
While an intolerance can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, with an allergy, there is a chance anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, can occur. Intolerances do not cause anaphylaxis.
An intolerance to something like food or drink often is experienced in the digestive system. An intolerance may occur for a variety of reasons, including:
If people with a food intolerance eat or drink something they are intolerant to, they may experience some uncomfortable symptoms. These include:
An allergy involves the immune system. When the immune system views something (an allergen) as a threat, it attempts to defend the body. When it does this, antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) react with cells to cause an allergic reaction.
Unlike the symptoms of intolerance, an allergic reaction can be serious and even life-threatening. An allergic reaction may cause a variety of symptoms involving the skin, the gastrointestinal system, and the respiratory system.
It can also lead toanaphylaxis, which is an emergency.
Symptoms of Wine Allergy
While a sensitivity to alcohol is thought to impact roughly 10% of the population, allergies to alcoholic drinks are rare and thought to be related to ingredients contained in the alcoholic drinks and not to the alcohol itself.
In those with a serious wine allergy, a single milliliter of alcohol can trigger a reaction.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
Mild and Moderate Reactions
Those with an allergy to an alcoholic drink may experience a range of symptoms associated with food allergies.
These include:
When to Seek Medical AttentionIn some cases, an allergic reaction can be severe and lead to anaphylaxis. This is considered a medical emergency.The symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear suddenly and will quickly get worse. They may include:A swollen tongueCollapseDifficulties with speaking and swallowingBreathing problemsTightness in the chestFeeling dizzyFeeling faintIn the event of anaphylaxis, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In some cases, an allergic reaction can be severe and lead to anaphylaxis. This is considered a medical emergency.The symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear suddenly and will quickly get worse. They may include:A swollen tongueCollapseDifficulties with speaking and swallowingBreathing problemsTightness in the chestFeeling dizzyFeeling faintIn the event of anaphylaxis, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.
In some cases, an allergic reaction can be severe and lead to anaphylaxis. This is considered a medical emergency.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear suddenly and will quickly get worse. They may include:
In the event of anaphylaxis, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.
There are numerous potential allergens found in wine. These include proteins, enzymes, dairy products, molds, and ingredients used in the production of wine.
Sulfites, histamines, and tannins are among some of the substances believed to contribute to a wine intolerance.
Sulfites
Sulfites are an ingredient used to make beverages and foods last longer. They are found in a number of products, including wine and beer. The reason some people have an intolerance to sulfites is unknown, but both genetics and the environment could be contributing factors.
Histamines
Some people believe that a reaction to histamine causes symptoms after drinking red wine. Histamine is made during the production process of fermentation.
Tannins
Tannins are a compound derived from the grapes used to produce wine. Tannins contribute to the flavor and color of wine and can cause intolerance. Tannins in red wine have also been associated with migraines.
Diagnosis and Allergy Tests
To make a diagnosis of allergy, a healthcare provider will first take a medical history and do a physical exam. It is likely they will then order allergy tests.
A variety of tests are used to diagnose allergies. These include:
If you suspect you have an allergy to wine, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. Only a healthcare provider can formally diagnose allergies.
Those who have an allergy or intolerance to wine should follow the directions of their healthcare provider and may be asked to refrain from drinking red wine. In some cases, a healthcare provider may identify an allergy to a specific ingredient or compound in wine, like grapes.
It is possible those with an intolerance to wine may also have an intolerance to other things. For example, if a person is found to be intolerant to the sulfites found in wine, they may also need to avoid other foods that contain sulfites like:
Summary
An allergy to wine is believed to be rare, though an intolerance to wine that impacts roughly 10% of people. Those with an intolerance to wine may react to certain ingredients found in wine, including histamines, sulfites, and tannins. They may experience a variety of symptoms on the skin, in the respiratory system, and in the digestive system.
Allergy testing is the only way to formally diagnose allergies. Those who are found to have an allergy to a specific ingredient in wine like grapes may need to avoid other foods containing those ingredients.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome people may find they have a reaction to red wine rather than white wine.This could be due to an intolerance to histamine.Red wine has higher levels of histamine than white wine.Tannins are found in a number of commonly consumed foods and beverages, including some grains, chocolate, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and wine.Histamine can be found in a number of alcoholic drinks, such as white wine, red wine, and beer.Some alcoholic drinks have higher levels of histamine than others. Red wine has more histamine than white wine and beer.
Some people may find they have a reaction to red wine rather than white wine.This could be due to an intolerance to histamine.Red wine has higher levels of histamine than white wine.
Some people may find they have a reaction to red wine rather than white wine.
This could be due to an intolerance to histamine.
Red wine has higher levels of histamine than white wine.
Tannins are found in a number of commonly consumed foods and beverages, including some grains, chocolate, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and wine.
Histamine can be found in a number of alcoholic drinks, such as white wine, red wine, and beer.Some alcoholic drinks have higher levels of histamine than others. Red wine has more histamine than white wine and beer.
Histamine can be found in a number of alcoholic drinks, such as white wine, red wine, and beer.
Some alcoholic drinks have higher levels of histamine than others. Red wine has more histamine than white wine and beer.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Snopek L, Mlcek J, Sochorova L, et al.Contribution of red wine consumption to human health protection.Molecules. 2018;23(7):1684. Published 2018 Jul 11. doi:10.3390/molecules23071684Health Direct.How alcohol affects your health,American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.Nemours Kids Health.What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Alcohol allergy.NHS.Symptoms - food allergy.Wüthrich B.Allergic and intolerance reactions to wine.Allergol Select. 2018;2(1):80-88. doi:10.5414/ALX01420EWinchester Hospital.Sulfite sensitivity.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.Lamy, E., Pinheiro, C., Rodrigues, L., Capela-Silva, F., Lopes, O. S., Moreira, P., Tavares, S. & Gaspar, R. (2016).Determinants of tannin-rich food and beverage consumption: oral perception vs. psychosocial aspects.In Tannins: Biochemistry, Food Sources and Nutritional Properties (29-58). NY: Nova Publishers.Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. Published 2020 Aug 14. doi:10.3390/biom10081181
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Snopek L, Mlcek J, Sochorova L, et al.Contribution of red wine consumption to human health protection.Molecules. 2018;23(7):1684. Published 2018 Jul 11. doi:10.3390/molecules23071684Health Direct.How alcohol affects your health,American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.Nemours Kids Health.What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Alcohol allergy.NHS.Symptoms - food allergy.Wüthrich B.Allergic and intolerance reactions to wine.Allergol Select. 2018;2(1):80-88. doi:10.5414/ALX01420EWinchester Hospital.Sulfite sensitivity.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.Lamy, E., Pinheiro, C., Rodrigues, L., Capela-Silva, F., Lopes, O. S., Moreira, P., Tavares, S. & Gaspar, R. (2016).Determinants of tannin-rich food and beverage consumption: oral perception vs. psychosocial aspects.In Tannins: Biochemistry, Food Sources and Nutritional Properties (29-58). NY: Nova Publishers.Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. Published 2020 Aug 14. doi:10.3390/biom10081181
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Snopek L, Mlcek J, Sochorova L, et al.Contribution of red wine consumption to human health protection.Molecules. 2018;23(7):1684. Published 2018 Jul 11. doi:10.3390/molecules23071684Health Direct.How alcohol affects your health,American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food intolerance versus food allergy.Nemours Kids Health.What’s the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.Alcohol allergy.NHS.Symptoms - food allergy.Wüthrich B.Allergic and intolerance reactions to wine.Allergol Select. 2018;2(1):80-88. doi:10.5414/ALX01420EWinchester Hospital.Sulfite sensitivity.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.Lamy, E., Pinheiro, C., Rodrigues, L., Capela-Silva, F., Lopes, O. S., Moreira, P., Tavares, S. & Gaspar, R. (2016).Determinants of tannin-rich food and beverage consumption: oral perception vs. psychosocial aspects.In Tannins: Biochemistry, Food Sources and Nutritional Properties (29-58). NY: Nova Publishers.Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. Published 2020 Aug 14. doi:10.3390/biom10081181
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Lamy, E., Pinheiro, C., Rodrigues, L., Capela-Silva, F., Lopes, O. S., Moreira, P., Tavares, S. & Gaspar, R. (2016).Determinants of tannin-rich food and beverage consumption: oral perception vs. psychosocial aspects.In Tannins: Biochemistry, Food Sources and Nutritional Properties (29-58). NY: Nova Publishers.
Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC.Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art.Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. Published 2020 Aug 14. doi:10.3390/biom10081181
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