Alcohol intolerance and allergy: Causes, symptoms, and how to manage them |
Alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy are often confused, but they are distinct conditions with different causes and mechanisms. Alcohol intolerance is a metabolic issue, typically caused by a deficiency of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), which leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body after drinking. This buildup triggers immediate physical reactions such as…