Question 1

please recommend if it's better for people who get alcohol flush reaction not to drink alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Yes: the flush reaction is caused by an accumulation of acetaldehyde, which is a toxic product of alcohol metabolism. This substance is normally only present for fractions of a second, but people who develop the flush reaction have an abnormal enzyme which doesn't metabolize the acetaldehyde properly. This is a chemical which causes damage to capillaries and skin, among other things.

Question 2

is there really no way to help alleviate the asian flush reaction to alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Thankfully no.: Otherwise antabuse (disulfiram) wouldn't work. In both, the build up of acetaldehyde from alcohol accumulates. Ways to minimize it:
drink less.
Drink on full stomach
Drink at a slower rate.
DO NOT drink grapefruit juice it increases the alcohol that gets into the bloodstream and is available for this reaction.

Question 3

could a person develop "asian flush" also known as "alcohol flush" in their early twenties?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Alcohol flush can happen at any age.

Question 4

after 12 years of drinking alcohol i never got the asian flush in the face until today. is it possible to develop asian flush after drinking for 12 yr?

Accepted Answer

Not genetically: A person born with the genes for the "Asian flush" reaction to drinking alcohol should have the reaction throughout his or her life, because the genes don't change. If the reactions begins later in life, he can check with his primary care doctor to see if something else might be going on (such as a medication effect, etc...), before simply calling it "Asian flush."

Question 5

how can i get a diagnosis whether my blotchy red face is asian flush or whether it is  rosacea? sun/heat have the same affect on my face as alcohol.

Accepted Answer

Flushing : You are describing flushing which is separate from rosacea but can be seen in association with rosacea.

Question 6

how can i determine whether i have asian flush syndrome or rosacea. sometimes when i drink alcohol my face and neck get blotchy but not always.

Accepted Answer

Rosa era: The rash of rosacea is present at all times  but increases and decreases on occasion and alcohol could certainly increase the severity of the rash.

Question 7

can i mix claritin, (loratadine) pepcid complete and drink alcohol? i have the asian flush as they call it and get rapid heart beat, headache, red flush+warmth.

Accepted Answer

You can, but…: The Asian flush, as you term it , is caused by an enzyme which makes you metabolize alcohol into acetaldehyde. Since this is a genetic issue, Pepcid and Claritin (loratadine) will not help, although you can take them with alcohol in reasonable doses. Also, there is an increased risk of esophageal cancer with alcohol intake in patients with the Asian flush, so  you should avoid regular drinking. Good luck.

Question 8

how to know if i have an allergic reaction to alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol Intolerance : Symptoms of Alcohol intolerance may include: headache, flushing, hives, nasal congestion,  GI upset, nausea/vomiting &amp; low blood pressure. 
 You could be allergic to alcohol or it's ingredients such as yeast, grains, sulfites, histamines &amp; other chemicals.

Question 9

can i have an allergic reaction to alcohol, how can i know?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can !: Symptoms of alcohol intolerance may include: headache, flushing, hives, nasal congestion, nausea/vomiting ; low blood pressure.

Question 10

can alcohol in drinks cause an allergic reaction in someone?

Accepted Answer

Doubtful: Alcohol may cause increased nasal congestion and worsen an itchy condition but can't make another person allergic unless you count being drunk as allergic.

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Doctor answers about:

Alcohol flush reaction

A member asked:

Please recommend if it's better for people who get alcohol flush reaction not to drink alcohol?

A member asked:

Is there really no way to help alleviate the asian flush reaction to alcohol?

A member asked:

Could a person develop "asian flush" also known as "alcohol flush" in their early twenties?

A member asked:

After 12 years of drinking alcohol i never got the asian flush in the face until today. is it possible to develop asian flush after drinking for 12 yr?

A member asked:

How can i get a diagnosis whether my blotchy red face is asian flush or whether it is rosacea? sun/heat have the same affect on my face as alcohol.

A member asked:

How can i determine whether i have asian flush syndrome or rosacea. sometimes when i drink alcohol my face and neck get blotchy but not always.

A member asked:

Can i mix claritin, (loratadine) pepcid complete and drink alcohol? i have the asian flush as they call it and get rapid heart beat, headache, red flush+warmth.

A member asked:

How to know if i have an allergic reaction to alcohol?

A member asked:

Can i have an allergic reaction to alcohol, how can i know?

A member asked:

Can alcohol in drinks cause an allergic reaction in someone?

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