Hangover or alcohol intolerance? How to tell the difference

How do you know if you’re allergic to alcohol?

“A true allergy to alcohol is rare,” says Doctor Fiona Sim, chief medical adviser for alcohol charity Drinkaware, external. “A person is much more likely to be allergic to one of the ingredients in their alcoholic drink, such as wheat, barley or another grain.”

It’s very difficult for consumers to know whether an alcoholic drink contains allergens or ingredients they’re intolerant to.

In the UK alcoholic drinks manufacturers don’t have to label ingredients or nutritional information, external.

Sim urges anyone who knows they’re allergic to certain foods, particularly grains, to be aware they could be in drinks, too and to check before trying them.

This is particularly important if you drink cocktails or mixed drinks, which could have a long list of ingredients.

Alcoholic drinks can also trigger an allergic reaction to food if you consume the two together, as alcohol can interfere with the gut lining.

For example, someone with a wheat allergy may only react after eating wheat followed by drinking alcohol or exercising.

Can cooking with alcohol trigger intolerance or allergy?

“Alcohol and sulphites tend to evaporate away during cooking, so the potential for intolerances is certainly reduced,” Watts says.

But, if you’re allergic to an ingredient found in certain alcoholic drinks, dishes which contain that drink are not safe to eat.

Should I stop drinking alcohol if I’m intolerant or allergic?

It’s pretty simple to recognise the difference between a hangover and an alcohol intolerance, Watts says.

“Hangovers are usually in full effect the morning after a night of heavy drinking. Metabolic genetic intolerances happen more quickly, generally within an hour of drinking.”

It’s harder to identify the difference between alcoholic intolerance and allergy, because the symptoms can overlap. Some allergic reactions are almost instant but not all.

“If in any doubt, always consult a healthcare professional,” Watts says.

“Investigations for alcohol reactions normally consist of specialised allergy blood tests, skin prick tests and potentially even a food challenge.”

Sim advises those with any type of alcohol intolerance to avoid drinking altogether.

It’s especially important to not drink alcohol if you have a genetic intolerance, as it will “increase your risk of alcohol-related organ damage, including some cancers and liver disease.”

When it comes to allergies to any component of an alcoholic drink, you must never consume it. “It can be life-threatening,” Sim says.

Disclaimer: The above does not constitute medical advice, if you are concerned about symptoms speak to a medical professional.