October 25, 2003

Wine allergies

Filed under: All About Moi — Diane @ 5:47 pm

Man, I so did not even know wine allergies existed.

I had a glass of wine last night—McManis Cabernet Sauvignon to be exact—and not even a whole glass of wine but one of my wimpy half-a-glass deals. And when Simon woke me up at 4 in themorning I thought: I must be coming down with the flu or something. Stuffed nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, and generally feeling as though a steamroller had done its best to flatten me a couple hundred times during the night.

Darin let me sleep in today, and when I was finally conscious I said, Either I am coming down with the worst cold in the world, or there was something about that wine. So I clicked around a bit (the modern answer to every problem!) and discovered wine allergies.

From allergies.about.com:

The common question is “Can I be allergic to alcohol?” Although alcohol can be the culprit, it usually is not. The culprits are usually the additives used in the manufacturing process. Some of the possible culprits include:

    Brewers yeast

    Corn

    Eggs

    Grapes

    Molds

    Sulfites

    Pesticides

I am: bereft. It took me a while to prefer red wine over white wine (that is, to become a wine snob). And now this!

I assume that if any of those ingredients could cause this allergy then it’s not necessarily the wine that’s caused this head cold. But it’s not the kind of testing I want to do a lot of, you know?

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284 Comments »

  1. My mom has a sulfite sensitivity (do you ever feel creepy after eating at salad bars? They use sulfites to keep the food from turning) which kicks in the worst when she drinks red wine.

    The answers seem to be:

    drink white wine (the sulfites are in the skins, so they’re far less concentrated in white wines)

    look for No Sulfites Added on the label

    take an antihistamine

    sadly, drink expensive wine - they seem to have less junk in them, since they’re taken from the top of the vat.

    White wine and liquors also seem to have fewer ketones and esters in them.

    Whatever you do, don’t drink inexpensive liqueurs. They use the least pure alcohol to make them.

    Always drink three times as much water as you’re drinking wine, preferably between glasses.

    Comment by julia — October 27, 2003 @ 11:17 am

  2. Not as uncommon as it sounds, I have a few friends of Asian decent that are completely allergic to all forms of alcohol.

    I personally just suffer from migraines if I drink wine (of any colour); I guess I’ll just stick to the vodka. ;)

    Comment by Lara — October 28, 2003 @ 2:01 pm

  3. I didn’t realize it until a few years ago, but I have a mild red-wine allergy. Every Single Time I would begin to sip some red wine, I would sneeze. Only on the first swallow, though: we call it my “red wine sneeze”. I am assuming it means I am sensitive/allergic to something in the wine, but it’s not as serious as the reaction you had.

    It happens with peppermint, too. Every Single Time.

    Comment by Another Diane — October 29, 2003 @ 10:12 pm

  4. My boyfriend has a sulfite allergy. If he even takes a sip of wine(of an color) he has difficulty breathing! It is terrible! The one (and only) time he had wine, he dropped to his knees, almost passed out, and became very pale. We gave him a bunch of water and when he went to the doctor they told him of his allergy.

    Comment by Kari — November 4, 2003 @ 8:41 am

  5. That sneeze thing - I have that too with peppermint.
    I have started to notice that when I have white wines I get really tipsy after just a few sips! My mom says it’s probably the sulfites. Oh well - it’s a good thing I don’t really like wine that much.

    Comment by Margaret — November 13, 2003 @ 12:54 pm

  6. I just enjoyed a lovely couple of hours drinking RED wine with friends - am now paying for it, very wheezy and dizzy. Am going to try lots of water to see if it helps to dilute the effects.

    Comment by anne — November 22, 2003 @ 2:55 am

  7. I too have allergies to wine and I think to champagne too. Beer so so. Now I can’t drink Baileys Irish Creme b/c I get all congested and can’t breathe for days. I HATE THIS. My allergies developed in my late 30’s . I am 49 and my allergies are getting worse and worse. I sneeze many times with anything with mint.
    The sad part for all the elimitations of foods and drinks you would think I would lose weight - not. I am so tired of being congested.

    Comment by Mary Ann — November 28, 2003 @ 12:18 pm

  8. Sad but true. Sulfites seem to be the culprit in red as well as white wines for me. One glass of red with dinner causes a most uncomfortable rash. The following night another glass of red causes the same. If I proceed to the third night I come down with flu like symptoms. Wine is part of my daily enjoyment and Italian heritage so I shall continue to drink and scratch. I do not accept defeat very well. Cheers to all.

    Comment by Phil — November 30, 2003 @ 7:56 am

  9. I actually developed a rash, as well as the stuffy nose. I would wake up all stuffed up, breathing through my mouth. In an effort to drink a wine with a high content of resveratrol, I had switched to a concord grape wine, (yes, a cheaper one!) and my problem got worse. I quit drinking red wine, and in 24 hours, my nose quit running, as well as my rash went away (in a few days). I was also feeling a “funny” feeling under my rib cage, on my left side, which has subsided,can anyone explain this?

    Comment by Dave — December 4, 2003 @ 5:45 pm

  10. I use to get stuffed up drinking wine. Then as I have gotten older my reactions have gotten worse and worse. I don’t drink any wine of any color anymore unless it is organic and the label states “No Sulfites.” And then I don’t drink that much out of fear. If I drink wine or eat unorganic lettuce, within 12 hours I become violently ill.Three times in the last 5 years I have gone to the emergency room because Icould not stop vomiting. I am careful about what I eat, and still become sick because sulfites are in so many things.

    Comment by susan — December 7, 2003 @ 7:05 pm

  11. I use to get stuffed up drinking wine. Then as I have gotten older my reactions have gotten worse and worse. I don’t drink any wine of any color anymore unless it is organic and the label states “No Sulfites.” And then I don’t drink that much out of fear. If I drink wine or eat unorganic lettuce, within 12 hours I become violently ill.Three times in the last 5 years I have gone to the emergency room because Icould not stop vomiting. I am careful about what I eat, and still become sick because sulfites are in so many things.

    Comment by susan — December 7, 2003 @ 7:05 pm

  12. Whenever I drink white wine (without even mixing with other drinks) I am so sick the next day. Just this week I had 4 glasses at a party. I blacked out and all I remember was being sick in the bathrooms. Next morning I had a huge headache and when I tried to drink some water to take the paracetamol, I was sick again and again until every last trace of the alcohol was gone from my stomach. It takes me ALL next day to recover from some white wine. This is so annoying! What can I do? Vodka has the same effect so theres no point recommending that.

    PS: I can drink loads of beer or other drinks.

    Comment by Keira — December 14, 2003 @ 10:35 am

  13. When I drink red wine with one glass, I get extremely hot and my hands get red and swollen, can anyone explain this? The other day I drank a $16.00 red and didn’t get these symptoms at all. I was so surprised not to get the symptoms I always had before. I don’t normally have this reaction towards white wine.

    Comment by Lara — December 17, 2003 @ 12:26 am

  14. This just started and I “hate” it. When I drink wine,red or white, my feet start to burn and then itch like crazy.After a few hours it goes away…..is this an allery?

    Comment by carol — December 25, 2003 @ 6:22 am

  15. I love red wine, and have developed asthma like allergies in recent years, I’m in mid-forties. I have noticed that when I drink european red wines I can’t breath for days and live on my inhaler. Does anyone know whether european wines contains more sulfites and other additives than american or australian?

    Comment by ruth — December 26, 2003 @ 8:30 am

  16. I LOVE MOST WINES AND SPRITS BUT I GET ALLERGIC REAACTION FROM MOST OF MY FACE BECOMES VERY RED IT WILL BURN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES ITS REALLY INBRASSING ALSO MY TOP HALF OF MY BODY BECOMES VERY BLOTCHIE IVE HAD AN ALLERGIE TEST DONE BEFORE BUT IT HAD COME BACK OKAY I JUST WISHED THAT THERE COULD BE SOMETHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT PLEASE COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME INFORMATION THANKYOU

    Comment by joanne boulton — January 1, 2004 @ 1:10 pm

  17. I have recently developed allergies to Wine of any color, Beer and other crazy things that are scents like candles, perfumes, etc. If I take a sip of wine or beer my sinuses will be completed congested within 1 hour. I went to an allergist and was tested for everything I could think of. He confirmed I have an allergy to sulfites found in beer & wine. I experimented over the last 2 months by trying nasal sprays when I drink but I ended up with 4 sinuses infections. Other than avoidance, has anyone found anything that works???? Jon - NY

    Comment by Jon — January 3, 2004 @ 5:59 pm

  18. I too have developed food allergies in my 30’s. I have gotten a very red face, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, stomach cramps and sometimes diarhea after drinking wine with added sulfites. I have been to many allegist MD’s and have learned that I also have a candida (yeast) overgrowth. Since I’ve been on a strict diet excluding wheat and other foods that break down into sugar quickly (foods high in carbs) I have had far less severe reactions to allergic foods. I can tolerate no sulfite added wines really well which I’m quite happy for after having had to enjoy only vodka for several years. However, I am searching for no sulfite added champagne and haven’t had any luck yet. Hope to get some suggestions.

    Comment by Sophia — January 3, 2004 @ 11:13 pm

  19. One sip of wine and I develop a headache. This ALWAYS leads to a bad tummy and hangover. Any wine, any colour, any country. I don’t risk it. I was OK, until the age of about 35. No problem with beer, ‘though.

    Comment by Peter — January 10, 2004 @ 7:26 pm

  20. I too have an allergy to wine that was just recently discovered. For a period of almost a year my eyes would swell and at the end they basically swelled shut. My throat becomes tight and I have trouble breathing but the reason I took me so long to find out what was causing this is because it happens twenty four to forty eight hours after I have ingested the product. I don’t know if it’s just white or red or both but I know that balsamic vinegar also gives me the same symptoms. I don’t believe I have a sulphite allergy because I can eat everything else that contains sulphites with no reaction. I need to know what common ingredients are in wine and balsamic vinegar. Can anyone help out? I want to lick this thing! I love wine!

    Comment by Julia — January 19, 2004 @ 6:33 am

  21. I react to sulfites. There a few inaccurices that some have been told above. Quite a few of the reactions sound like reactions to histamine. One clue is if taking an anti-histamine helps.

    One, in general good quality red wine is better then white wine. This is because the tannins in red grape skins, act as preservatives and so the manufacturers don’t need to add as much sulfites to combat mould and other nasties growth. AVoid cask wine like the plague.

    Two, most people react to the histamines in wine. Red wine has more histamine then white. Histamine causes the typical cold and flu symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, dry or runny itchy eyes, wheezing sometimes….

    Three, beers in general contain less sulfites then wines. During the process of manufacture, beers produce natural sulfites. But this of a such a low level, most won’t react to this.

    Four organic wine is no better then normal wine. THe important part is the sulfite or preservative free bit. (Long explantion for this)

    If you really want to know what sets you off, look up what foods contain histmines, sulfites and other things and try them one at a time. See an allergist or dietician and do an elimination or challenge diet.

    Read labels, if you want a good sulfite test, make up a heap of package mashed potato like deb and eat it. If you have true sulfite allergies, consider avoiding some foods (look them up).

    Comment by Patsy — January 25, 2004 @ 12:13 am

  22. I like to have a glass of wine at dinner, red or white;however, I also get a mild rash. Is there any brandy, rum, scotch, vodka, gin that has minimal sulfidies? Please advise.

    Eugene Mitz

    Comment by Eugene Mitz — January 27, 2004 @ 4:34 am

  23. I, too, have the unfortunate disadvantage of being allergic to alcohol. The night I am drinking, I sneeze. Then, the next morning, I get stuffy, have heart palpitations and have a killer hangover, even after only one drink. If I have too much to drink, I throw up all day. It is a big bummer.

    Comment by Heather — January 28, 2004 @ 12:54 pm

  24. I, too, have the unfortunate disadvantage of being allergic to alcohol. The night I am drinking, I sneeze. Then, the next morning, I get stuffy, have heart palpitations and have a killer hangover, even after only one drink. If I have too much to drink, I throw up all day. It is a big bummer.

    Comment by Heather — January 28, 2004 @ 1:01 pm

  25. I have a huge sinus reaction to both red,white and sparkling wines. Taking a allergy tablet 15 minutes before hand helps, but symptoms linger over the next couple of days in a milder form. The allergy didn’t develop until my late 30’s, when I became a ‘regular’ wine drinker. What I want to know is, is continually drinking wine going to harm me? Should I stop?

    Comment by Tanya — January 30, 2004 @ 2:00 am

  26. The good news is…. most spirits are fine! avoid those that are mixed with anything, like kahlua, malibu and so on - or just read the labels and see if a preservative has been added. Vodka and gin are the best for those of us with allergy/intolerances… :-) me love vodka now!

    Tanya, your reaction sounds like a reaction to the histamine in wine…. if it’s only giving you nose/sinus issues, you should be fine…. it’s up to you to decide if the nose issues outweigh the joy of drinking wine!

    Heather do you have a reaction to any alcohol you drink? try just straight vodka (no mixes) and see how you feel. Vodka is supposed to be one of the cleanest alcohols around so that should be a good test. It is extremely rare to have an allergy to alcohol… and if you did your reactions would be much worse…. More then likely you are reacting to something else in the drink you are having…

    Comment by Patsy — January 31, 2004 @ 6:13 pm

  27. Like Laura above, Had no idea what was wrong with me.. my hands would get swollen and red - even my feet. Turns out red wine may be a problem. was so sick thought there may have been heart problems. took over a month to clear up…anyone have some suggestions of some good white wines w/o sulfite? Laura do you suggest anything?

    Comment by Peter — February 14, 2004 @ 12:27 pm

  28. Laura do you remember what the 16.00 red was you had? Also, can anyone help on a specifc wine or common beer? your suggestion will be tried and commented on. Bonterra an organic (no sulfite wine) will be tried at the end of March (Not sure if white or red, there seems to be a mixed review http://www.thewinenews.com/augsep00/cover.html). Other foods seem to have the same effect, such as the salad bar mentioned above and hot dogs. Had a full range of blood test performed and the only high result is potassium at 5.7 but that number has been there for over 15 years. Kidneys and liver are good. Thank you.

    Comment by Peter — February 15, 2004 @ 3:42 am

  29. Does anyone know if there is a connection between drinking wine and cold sores or or little blisters on your lips? It seems every time I drink wine (mostly red)I get little bumps on the edge of my lips that itch and tingle like a cold sore.

    Comment by Alicia — February 18, 2004 @ 6:55 pm

  30. I drink wine all the time, both red and white with no averse effects. I’ve had Champagne twice though and been violently ill the next day both times. Extreme nausea and vomiting. This weekend I had only 2 glasses of it and couldn’t eat for 36 hours. Is it even possible to be allergic to Champagne and not other types of wine? Or is this just all in my head?

    Comment by Simone — February 22, 2004 @ 9:49 am

  31. I think I also had a red wine allergy. I drank a glass of red wine and an hour later the roof of my mouth and back of my throat started to tingle. Than i woke up the next day with a stuffy nose, sore throat, a 101 fever and basically anything that you can relate to a flu. 3rd day now no fever just still tickly throat etc. I have an allergy to penicilin and i believe the othr antibiotics are sulpha drugs. I never realized when i drank wine ya know. I am never drinking wine again lol.

    Comment by B — February 24, 2004 @ 9:03 am

  32. I started to get really sick, vomiting, several hours after drinking champange. I would also break out in rashes from shrimp, some cheeses and white colored foods in restaurants. Doc says I am sulfite sensitive. Only thing to do is avoid. WARNING: To sulfite sensitives: Watch out for carbocaine, a common numbz - u - up used in dental work….there are two types. One contains sulfites. I found out the hard way via anyphalactic shock. Also the white stuff they mold for dentures with has it…be sure and tell dentist if you are sulfite sensitive!

    Comment by Cheryl — February 24, 2004 @ 6:08 pm

  33. I started to get really sick, vomiting, several hours after drinking champange. I would also break out in rashes from shrimp, some cheeses and white colored foods in restaurants. Doc says I am sulfite sensitive. Only thing to do is avoid. WARNING: To sulfite sensitives: Watch out for carbocaine, a common numbz - u - up used in dental work….there are two types. One contains sulfites. I found out the hard way via anyphalactic shock. Also the white stuff they mold for dentures with has it…be sure and tell dentist if you are sulfite sensitive!

    Comment by Cheryl — February 24, 2004 @ 6:09 pm

  34. Last week I developed rash on my upper body which was tremendously itchy…it was accompanied with on and off chills…and the feeling of burning in my face (which would go beet red for a few short minutes then back to nornal). I love red wine, and have never had any health problems prior to this. Could it be the red wine? Doctor at the walk-in clinic was miffed…there is no sore throat, swollen glands, stomach cramps or diahhrea. He said take some Benedryl and it should clear up. Ok. So I had a Benedryl last evening….but I am still itchy …and had the chills, although they are milder now. And the face isn’t burning. I thought since I eat alot of peanut butter and raw coconut recently, that they may be the culprits, so along with the red wine, I am cutting them out to for the moment.

    Does any of this sound familiar to anyone?

    Comment by Kate — February 25, 2004 @ 5:32 am

  35. I recently had a bad recation to white wine over the weekend. I had about 3 glasses and was violently ill that night until the next day until 4:00pm. I couldn’t keep anything down (not even water) I have recently discovered that I have had 2 other experiences like this after having white wine. I can drink hard alcohol without getting any reaction like this. Has this happend to anyone else?

    Comment by Wendy — March 1, 2004 @ 12:19 pm

  36. It’s strangely reassuring to hear that so many of you suffer from allergic reactions to wine. I thought I was the only one! I’ve given up every other thing over the years, and am about to have to admit that something in the red wine (that I LOVE) causes my eyelids to itch, burn, scale and even crack for up to 3 days after I drink it. I also sometimes have a mild asthma attack. I’m in my mid 40s, and this is something that’s developed just over the last few years.

    For those of you who take antihistimines prior to a glass of wine, which ones do you find most helpful? I can’t imagine life without sharing an occasional bottle of wine with my gourmet-food loving husband.

    Comment by Melissa — March 1, 2004 @ 3:15 pm

  37. I noticed that everyone here is allergic to wine of some sort… I think I have allergies to VODKA!!! I get swollen red hands and feet, extremely sensitive, and if i continue to drink every night I develop a rash… Once the rash goes away, it kills the skin on my palms and bottom of my feet.. The dead skin then peels away - leaving behind new, fresh, sensitive, pink skin!!! The whole process may take over a month before the hands return to normal… does anyone have any advice or suggestion for me???

    Comment by SHAH — March 7, 2004 @ 11:13 am

  38. I drink red wine and i get sinus congestion, ear congestion, and cold symptoms- itchy eyes and nose….i must be allergic. I bought cheap Red wine!!!

    Comment by Donna — March 11, 2004 @ 6:16 pm

  39. I’ve been drinking white wine for about a year now. (My wife’s relatively successful attempt to make me more sophisticated.)

    The last week, I’ve had what appears to be sinus problems - which I’ve never had before in my life. She just told me it might be related to the white wine, so I did a web search and wound up here.

    If I was allergic to white wine, wouldn’t I have had symptoms before this?

    Looks like it might be back to beer - sorry hun!

    Paul

    Comment by Paul — March 14, 2004 @ 6:17 am

  40. I’ve never had a problem with alcohol, until recently. It seems EVERY TIME I drink any alcohol, I get violently ill. Even if it’s one glass. I get chills, stuffy nose, and throwing up for days. It feels as if I have a hangover everytime I drink, even if I only have 1 drink. Does anyone else have these problems?

    Comment by Cat — March 14, 2004 @ 2:00 pm

  41. I’ve been reading everyone’s reactions to alcohol, red wine in particular. I found the similarities to be really interesting. My husband and I just recently started enjoying a glass or two of red wine every evening to unwind from our hectic schedules. After a couple of weeks of doing this, I started getting really sick. I thought I was suffering from heart failure. I’ve always had a rapid heart beat, but I was now experiencing heart palpitations, night sweats, breathlessness, and severe nausea. I went to the urgent care center and they diagnosed me with possibly having mitral valve prolapse and prescribed me a beta blocker to reduce my heart rate. The doctor at the clinic told me that I could continue drinking wine since there was no adverse affects with the medicine. I had another severe attack again last night after having a couple glasses of red wine. I got incredible heartburn and felt like I was having a panic attack. I have always broken out in a sunburn-looking rash on my face and neck whenever I have drunk any alcohol beverages, but it has only been recently that I have had these other reactions. I’m beginning to think that it is related to the wine. Any thoughts?

    Comment by Lori — March 20, 2004 @ 8:16 pm

  42. For about a year now I have had heart-racing palpitations starting about 20 minutes after drinking a glass of Chardonnay wine. It lasts for about an hour, and then I seem to be fine.
    My doctor had me tested by cardiologists on a treadmill, with heart x-rays, and Holter monitors. Everything was fine.
    I can provoke this only when I have wine. I’m not sure, but it may have started two years ago when I took an ephedra tablet for weight reduction. My heart raced then, for the first time so I did not take any more pills.

    Comment by Jack — March 21, 2004 @ 4:24 pm

  43. HIVES ANYONE?/

    Comment by laru — March 30, 2004 @ 9:33 pm

  44. I just had an allergic reaction to Vodka…that’s all I had for 2 nights in a row and Sunday morning I got up with my hands and feet covered in little bumps. I have no idea why this happened. I’ve had vodka before a couple of times and never had such trouble.

    Comment by Pixie — March 31, 2004 @ 1:12 am

  45. It seems that a lot of people are laboring under some very false assumptions regarding wine. The first post by Julia is particularly troublesome. Sulfites are a naturally occuring byproduct of fermentation, so all wine (and beer) has sulfites. Winemakers add more sulfites to retard spoilage and prevent microbial action. The tannins in red wine ais in this, so less sulfites are added to red wine. White wine has much more added sulfite. The antihistamine is a good idea. Wines, mostly reds, have a number of amines - histamine, tyramine. Histamine causes the runny, stuffy nose and hay fever type symptoms. Tyramine is a prime cause of headaches, and is present in many foods. The people who are sufite sensitive are asthmatics. In fact, asthmatics comprise 5% of the total population. Only 1% of asthmatics are sulfite sensitive, so that’s a very small number. Considering there are about 300 million people in the U.S., that number works out to 150 thousand in the whole country that are sulfite sensitive. As another fact, the USDA instituted sulfite reporting regulations in 1987 and since then the number of sulite reaction cases has dropped. Doctors, hospitals and other health care sources must report all sulfite reactions by law, and in the last year they gave out the statistics, the USDA recorded only 6 cases in the U.S. So, that’s 6 people out of 300,000,000 that were reported to have reaction to sulfites. Any wine that has more than 10 ppm must be labelled with a warning. Most wines come in at about 25 ppm. Many processed foods have as much as 6000 ppm and people don’t seem to be suffering too much. So, Patsy had the best info - it probably isn’t the sulfites, folks. If you really want to avoid sulfites, here are some foods to avoid.
    Any food product that contains corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin or molasses.
    Canned and frozen vegetables.
    Eggs.
    Condiments - any type of pickle, olives, relish.
    Most dairy products, especially processed cheese food.
    Candy, jams, jellies and any food product made with fruit pectin.
    Plant protein products, particularly soy products.
    Commercial bakery products using dough conditioners.
    Fresh shrimp, crab, lobster and scallops.
    Canned or dried fish or shellfish.
    Any food product containing cornstarch.
    Nuts, trail mixes, processed coconut, any dried fruits.

    Comment by Bob — April 1, 2004 @ 8:05 am

  46. Bob’s comments above have me puzzled. I just finished reading an online article regarding allergy to wine, beer, and alcohol (see http://allergy.org.nz/allergies/drinks/) and what they say about sulfites is quite different. Their info:

    Sulfites:
    “Put broadly, there are two elements a person can react to in wines and beers - those needed to make the beverage, and those used to preserve or enhance it.
    “The key preservative present in wine is sulphur dioxide (also referred to as ’sulphites’). It is a naturally occurring compound that is found on many growing plants (including grapes) in its natural form…Sulphur dioxide has strong anti-bacterial properties, which help to prevent organisms from growing in the wine. It also inhibits yeast growth, thus preventing the wine from turning into vinegar, giving it a longer shelf life, and enabling it to develop the complex flavours of an aged wine.
    “Some asthma sufferers find that sulphur dioxide aggravates their condition. Other reactions may include headaches or hives. Bear in mind that sulphur dioxide is present in many drinks other than beer and wine, including some fruit juices, along with various dried fruits. If you do not react to these products, then it may be another component of wine you are reacting to. Other reactions may include headaches.
    The sweeter the wine - particularly white - the higher the presence of sulphur dioxide. A person suffering from a sulphur allergy, then, may experience a lesser reaction to a full-bodied red due to its lower content of sulphites. (Unless, of course, they have allergies to ingredients found in red wines!)”

    Histamines:
    “Histamine is an amine released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. Jancis Robinson, in her ‘Wine Course’ book*, comments that red wines contain a wider range of components than white wines, and this includes histamines. Bob Campbell, wine expert, suggests that half an aspirin prior to drinking wine can help with some symptoms. Taking an antihistamine may prove to be more appropriate! Symptoms include hay fever in some people, along with rhinitis and blocked noses in others. Histamine is also known to worsen asthma and eczema and to cause headaches. If you think your reaction is due to the histamine component of the wine, then you could consider trying fruit wines, as some of these have lower histamine levels than wine made from grapes (depending on the fruit used to produce the wine).”

    Fining Agents in Wine:
    “Because of the demand for crystal-clear wine, winemakers either filter their wine or put it through a ‘fining’ process to remove any unwanted organisms, cloudiness or fermentation. ‘Fining’ is a clarification technique where an agent is used (such as egg white or bentonite) to encourage solids to fall out of suspension so that the clear wine can be racked off. … These fining agents do not have to be declared on the label, as no residue of them should be left in the finished product. Some allergy sufferers, however, do report reacting to wine in a similar manner as they do to whatever it is they are allergic to - ie) egg whites.”

    The older I get, the more I seem to have a reaction to wines, although not to beer or hard liquor. I find, as many others above, that the “better” wines (i.e., more expensive) don’t seem to affect me as much as the cheap ones. I haven’t noticed much difference between red vs. white vs. rose. I sneeze and get stuffed up, which lasts into the next day and causes my husband grief since it also makes me snore a lot. The other side effect of drinking wine is diarrhea. I haven’t seen that mentioned on this posting, but I’d assume it might be true for others as well.

    Comment by Gale — April 1, 2004 @ 7:02 pm

  47. Hello all. I am severly allergic to oak trees and am curious if I could be allergic to wines that are aged in oak barrels. Any input? Where could I find the answer to this question? Thanks!!

    Comment by Megan — April 10, 2004 @ 11:33 am

  48. I gave up alcohol for a year, and have only recently begun drinking again. It’s really scary cos I have severe headaches from vodka and violent hayfever (love that foggy brain!) for days from drinking white wine. I have a gluten intolerance so I’m assuming that that is the cause of the vodka thing (made from wheat), and the histamine is thing in wines. I want to know if others are gluten intolerant, and would this make a difference? And are there lots of nasty histamines in champagne? What is safe? Obviously not beer - gluten in a bottle!

    Comment by Nicole — April 11, 2004 @ 6:02 am

  49. I just experienced a reaction to drinking a couple glasses of white wine. Mostly I prefer reds but some do give me a headache. The reaction to the white was the following afternoon-so 18 hrs. later. My eyelid started to itch and it swelled almost shut within minutes and I started to itch in several areas. Wrist, and waist where I had shingles once. I had taken two Motrin in the a.m. for a sore muscle I thought was from exercising but now am wondering if it was wine related.–Looking at the Motrin bottle later-it clearly states-may cause hives and facial swelling-I think the combo of the white wine and Motrin later triggered it. I have never reacted to Motrin b-4 so didn’t even give it a thought. I hardly ever take it, maybe once every couple years. But I think the combo wasn’t good. I took the Motrin about 4 hours before the reaction hit and Am posting just for reference for others. Thanks for your posts.

    Comment by Janeen — April 11, 2004 @ 7:20 pm

  50. It’s amazing that when I have a small glass of wine I develop strong palpitations as well as a feeling of going into a tunnel. If it is the sulfite, I do not know but,my body and mind feel very strange.

    Comment by Dinora — April 12, 2004 @ 1:36 pm

  51. Thank you Gale for your post…the article you quoted really informed me about the different allergens in wines. Here I had been blaming the sulphites for making me sick with severe cold-like symtems every time I indulged. Now I realize that for me, it is the histimines that cause this discomfort. I am going to see if Port will affect me the same way….maybe in a couple weeks after I recover from my lastest sinus-upset! Another thing I have noticed is that since developing this “allergy” in my mid- thirties, alcohol hardly gives me a buzz, and I am not a heavy or regular drinker. I used to be such a lightweight that one glass of something would have me slurring. Anyone else notice this coincidence also?

    Comment by Jenn — April 18, 2004 @ 5:00 pm

  52. Thank you Gale for your post…the article you quoted really informed me about the different allergens in wines. Here I had been blaming the sulphites for making me sick with severe cold-like symtems every time I indulged. Now I realize that for me, it is the histimines that cause this discomfort. I am going to see if Port will affect me the same way….maybe in a couple weeks after I recover from my lastest sinus-upset! Another thing I have noticed is that since developing this “allergy” in my mid- thirties, alcohol hardly gives me a buzz, and I am not a heavy or regular drinker. I used to be such a lightweight that one glass of something would have me slurring. Anyone else notice this coincidence also?

    Comment by Jenn — April 18, 2004 @ 5:12 pm

  53. I was looking for information on hidden sulphites and came across these postings. I have had a sulpha allergie since I was 16 and can not drink champagne or wine of any kind. It’s been a real bummer at weddings and other social events. I get extreme hives that can come in cycles for weeks. The reason people may not notice it until they are older is because it can take a while to build up resistance in your body. I learned this when a doctor told me they don’t know if it is the next glass of wine I drink or the 100th that could kill me. The reason I became so sensitive at a young age is because a doctor gave me sulpha as an atibiotic. My grandmother was allergic to sulpha and I’ve heard it tends to run in families, especially females. I find it funny that wine websites try to downplay this allergy.

    In my experience doctors are very ignorant about this, even allergists. I’ve had mild erythmea nordosum (rash on shins) for a year now and no one can figure out why but that it can be linked to a sulpha allergy. With the list of foods to avoid above maybe now I can start an elimination diet. Thanks Bob.

    Comment by Jennifer — April 18, 2004 @ 10:27 pm

  54. Thank you, everyone, for your comments, experiences, knowledge, etc. I’ve learned a lot from your postings. I have had day-after symptoms and allergies from drinking white & red wines for a few years now and it seems the late 30s are a common time for these symptoms/allergies to hit hardest (I am 38.) I LOVE red wine especially with a fine dinner and dinner partner, but I am giving myself a 6-week break from wine to see how how my body & health improves. May try the Candida yeast diet as well but I know how strict that is - don’t know if I can stick to it. Thanks again.

    Comment by Muir — April 19, 2004 @ 1:56 pm

  55. I an 49 and in the last 5 years have had gotten severe headaches from just 1/2 glass of wine…whatever wine. Once at CharleyI’s
    Crab we ordered a wine w/o Sulfites and I was fine. Since then I found out my allergies. I still get headaches from wine. I never used to. I have all the common year round rhinitis allergies. Mold being one. Would the mold from the barrels cause headaches. I never sneeze or have runny nose, just headaches. So, I thought buying another bottle of non-sulfite wine would do the trick and I wouldn’t geet sick. Should it be white or red? I take Rx Allergy pill each day and get allergy short 2x a month down from once a week for a year. I’m sick of getting headaches when I’m trying to have fun. It took me 5 days to get ove 2 glasses of wine the last time. Would straight vodka be better as somebody mentioned above. Or a different alcohol? Suggestions?

    Comment by Susie — April 20, 2004 @ 9:21 am

  56. I am 49 and in the last 5 years have had gotten severe headaches from just 1/2 glass of wine…whatever wine. Once at Charley’s
    Crab we ordered a wine w/o Sulfites and I was fine. Since then I found out my allergies. I still get headaches from wine. I never used to. I have all the common year round rhinitis allergies. Mold being one. Would the mold from the barrels cause headaches. I never sneeze or have runny nose, just headaches. So, I thought buying another bottle of non-sulfite wine would do the trick and I wouldn’t get sick. Should it be white or red? I take Rx Allergy pill each day and get allergy shots 2x a month, down from once a week for a year. I’m sick of getting headaches when I’m trying to have fun. It took me 5 days to get over 2 glasses of wine the last time. Would straight vodka be better, as somebody mentioned above or is there a drink I could have that may not cause a problem with my allergies?
    Or a different alcohol? Suggestions? Thanks so much.

    Comment by Susie — April 20, 2004 @ 9:25 am

  57. What about cooking with wine? If I marinate or cook with wine, will my mother-in-law, who is allergic to wine, get sick?

    Comment by Jane — April 23, 2004 @ 10:39 am

  58. Hey there,
    just wanted to point out there is no relationship between sulphonamides and sulfiting agents. Be VERY careful at the pharmacist because I have been given sulfited drugs, as I was labelled as having a sulfonamide allergy.
    Also, I was diagnosed with this allergy when i was 20 after fainting spells, vomiting a lot and having trouble catching my breath all the time. The last major outbreak i had was after drinking beer.. the beer itself is fine, however, the lines at the restaurant were flushed with a cleanser. After 3 glasses, i passed out and was violently ill for several days.
    THe finaly note is to be aware that epipens contain sulfites, as does the epinephrine provided in emergency. When I was last there, due to someone putting mayo on my sandwich, they had to give me benedryl. The only sulfite-free epinephrine is in an inhaler or else I believe that anaesthatists also use an injectable one that is safe. (please note the inhaler is not available in Canada because it contains PCBs, which are a banned propellant up here)
    For a list of sulfite containings drugs, your doctor should have a pharmaceutical compedium with purple pages at the back
    other than that, the only other advice i have is to stay away from ALL junk foods. Canadian food labelling laws do not require sulfites to be listed on the packaging. When travelling, remember food prep laws change. in the US, vegetables, such as chopped iceberg lettuce and salad bars contain sulfites. In Canada, treating vegetables or any food containing B group vitamins is banned.
    Hope that is of some use!

    Comment by Jen — April 28, 2004 @ 6:57 pm

  59. Hey there,
    just wanted to point out there is no relationship between sulphonamides and sulfiting agents. Be VERY careful at the pharmacist because I have been given sulfited drugs, as I was labelled as having a sulfonamide allergy.
    Also, I was diagnosed with this allergy when i was 20 after fainting spells, vomiting a lot and having trouble catching my breath all the time. The last major outbreak i had was after drinking beer.. the beer itself is fine, however, the lines at the restaurant were flushed with a cleanser. After 3 glasses, i passed out and was violently ill for several days.
    THe finaly note is to be aware that epipens contain sulfites, as does the epinephrine provided in emergency. When I was last there, due to someone putting mayo on my sandwich, they had to give me benedryl. The only sulfite-free epinephrine is in an inhaler or else I believe that anaesthatists also use an injectable one that is safe. (please note the inhaler is not available in Canada because it contains PCBs, which are a banned propellant up here)
    For a list of sulfite containings drugs, your doctor should have a pharmaceutical compedium with purple pages at the back
    other than that, the only other advice i have is to stay away from ALL junk foods. Canadian food labelling laws do not require sulfites to be listed on the packaging. When travelling, remember food prep laws change. in the US, vegetables, such as chopped iceberg lettuce and salad bars contain sulfites. In Canada, treating vegetables or any food containing B group vitamins is banned.
    Hope that is of some use!

    some useful links
    http://www.anaphylaxis.org
    http://www.medicalert.org
    http://www.carleton.ca/Capital_News/04121998/h2.htm

    Comment by Jen — April 28, 2004 @ 7:00 pm

  60. I refer to Kate’s comments posted on 25 Feb 04. I have been drinking boh red & white wine for years I I ocansionally have a reaction similar to the one described by Kate. I refer mainly to the hot flushes in the face (people say I look like a burns victim!). I usually have this with white wine, but it can occur with both. I have noted that it is usually with cheaper wines. I have been told that one way to overcome or reduce this is by holding your finger over the top of the wine, shaking it and then releasing your finger from the top which apparently expels some of the sulpher present in the wine. Best bet however is to steer away completely from cheap wines (red or white). Personally I prefer full bodied aged reds high in alcohol content (14-14.5%). I refer to Cab Sav; Shiraz and a favourite of mine Durif. Good Luck.

    Comment by Martin — April 30, 2004 @ 3:21 am

  61. just came back from wine country with my husband. we tasted and drank lots and lots of wine for a few days, more than we typically drink. his hands started swelling, legs and feet too, and a rash all over his body, except for his face. it’s gone away now, lasted just a couple of days. has anyone ever heard of a one-time-only rash from prolonged overindulgence?

    Comment by kelly — April 30, 2004 @ 11:19 am

  62. I too have a flushed warm face when I drink wine.Usually just the first glass or so , then it goes away. The next morning red itchy eyes and snezing stuffy nose. This doen’t happen when I drink other things.

    Comment by Ginger — April 30, 2004 @ 2:15 pm

  63. Does anybody know whether extra strength vodka (such as blue label)or Gin (duty free)contains any additives that I could be allergic to? I have been trying to find out what causes me to break out in terrible itchy hives and the only link I can think of is every time I have had extra strength spirits or perhaps cheap ones. Could I be right?

    Comment by Gill — May 10, 2004 @ 4:51 am

  64. I have a regular reaction to Red Wine. Diarrhea The one thing I’ve done is drink a dose of Pepto Bismal before I go out. I find this allows me to enjoy my dinner and wine with minimal diarrhea.

    Comment by craig — May 14, 2004 @ 6:32 am

  65. I am 41 and have always enjoyed a couple glasses of wine every couple of weeks. About 8 weeks ago I began getting vilently ill (vomiting) after 2 glasses of white wine (expensive wine). I has gotten worse on each of the past 4 occasions. I will never drink wine again, it is so severe. My concern is what is causing it so I do not have this reaction to any other foods. I take no prescription meds. Only a multivitamin daily. I suggestions from anyone?

    Comment by CM — May 14, 2004 @ 4:01 pm

  66. I am 41 and have always enjoyed a couple glasses of wine every couple of weeks. About 8 weeks ago I began getting vilently ill (vomiting) after 2 glasses of white wine (expensive wine). I has gotten worse on each of the past 4 occasions. I will never drink wine again, it is so severe. My concern is what is causing it so I do not have this reaction to any other foods. I take no prescription meds. Only a multivitamin daily. I suggestions from anyone?

    Comment by CM — May 14, 2004 @ 4:01 pm

  67. Anyone get dry mouth syndrome from red wine?

    Comment by Irean — May 17, 2004 @ 11:42 am

  68. Would drinking white wine make my hands, fingers, and almost all joints hurt?

    I drink wine almost everyday and have started having my hands hurt more than ever…

    Comment by Julie — May 19, 2004 @ 9:08 am

  69. Hi I had red wine twice in my life. I have realised that I am allergic to it. I had rash on tongue, gums and all other sensitive parts.
    can you please suggest me any medicine to cure this?

    Comment by NR — May 20, 2004 @ 8:23 am

  70. When I drink a Red Table Wine, inexpensive, I develop a red face around my eyes. There is also a “burning” feeling associated with the redness. The wine that did it tonight was a French Syrah. I will have to experiment with a Cab. next.

    Comment by gmc — May 20, 2004 @ 4:14 pm

  71. Whenever I drink any wine or champagne my lips start itching and swelling and turning red. I also get blotches around my lips and face. My stomach feels as if it becomes very acidic and my mouth starts watering constantly from the acidic feeling. I try to eat crackers and drink lots of water but it usually doesnt go away for atleast a few hours. Is this an allergy to sulfites??

    Comment by AJ — May 21, 2004 @ 10:38 pm

  72. When I drink wine (of any color) I get violently ill in the middle of the night and the whole next day. I get a huge headache after one glass as well as a stomach ache, nausea, blurry vision and my heart rate speeds up… The allergist told me to stick to soda!!!

    Comment by Cathy — May 23, 2004 @ 9:40 pm

  73. When I drink wine (of any color) I get violently ill in the middle of the night and the whole next day. I get a huge headache after one glass as well as a stomach ache, nausea, blurry vision and my heart rate speeds up… The allergist told me to stick to soda!!!

    Comment by Cathy — May 23, 2004 @ 9:40 pm

  74. I have been drinking red wine for the past 2 years - recently everytime I drink wine my stomach starts to bloat really bad and this is very uncomfortable when out with friends. Does this happen to anyone else?

    Comment by linda — May 29, 2004 @ 6:02 am

  75. I was wondering about the allergies to wine myself. I have drank red wine off and on for over 5 years. Over the last year I have started to drink it more frequently and have noticed an increase in sinus infections and my asthma. I had no idea that red wine could cause this until I started using a nasal spray that listed red wine as an allergen.

    Comment by Cindy — May 30, 2004 @ 4:39 pm

  76. I think I’m allergic to wine. I have suffered over a year with burning red irritated lips a day or two after I have wine. Both upper and lower lips swell and sting whenever I brush my teeth or anything acidic touches my lips.This can last for a week or more.

    Comment by Ray — May 30, 2004 @ 6:39 pm

  77. This is really a great site. I commented Jan 10th 2004 and feeling better. still not sure what exactly was going on.. may be more than the wine for me. I did try Bonterra Merlot 2001 (an organically grown wine) 4 bottles in a week for evry other day. This was 3-27-2004- guess i was pushing it. had no obvious problems, so will stick to organic. Please reply if there were any trials that worked. hope i at least helped someone and myself. i will keep everyone updated on my condition.. take care - peter

    Comment by peter — June 2, 2004 @ 8:32 am

  78. OOPS.. WRONG PETER, I posted 2-14-2004.. Thanks!

    Comment by peter — June 2, 2004 @ 8:35 am

  79. When I drink white wine - especially cheap white wine/champagne - my fingers get swollen and all the joints in my body ache. And even after a small amount (4 oz. glass) of wine at dinner and lots of water besides I have night sweats and invariably wake up at 3 a.m. and cannot get back to sleep. My doctor tested me for possible causes, including arthritis, Hepatitis, etc. and couldn’t find anything. Experiment: The last two weeks I didn’t have any wine or any form of alcohol and then last night I drank some (cheap) champagne and, voilà, achy joints and swollen fingers and insomnia at 3 in the morning. Fairly conclusive test results, wouldn’t you all agree?

    Comment by Louise — June 3, 2004 @ 9:06 am

  80. HAVE ANY OF YOU HEARD OF THIS? I WENT TO A RECEPTION THE OTHER NIGHT AND DRANK WHITE CHARDONNEY. I HAD 2 AND A HALF SMALL GLASSES. I CAN USUALLY DRINK A WHOLE BOTTLE. ANYWAY, I STARTED FEELING FUNNY IN MY HEAD AND PROCEEDED TO THE RESTROOM. WHEN I GOT IN THERE I WENT DOWN ON THE FLOOR AND COULD NOT GET UP. EVERY TIME I TRIED TO, MY VISION WAS SO MESSED UP THAT I WENT RIGHT BACK DOWN ON THE FLOOR. MY HUSBAND AND SON HAD TO LITERALLY CARRY ME TO THE CAR AND I REMEMBER NOTHING. SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT SOME CHARDONNEYS HAVE A CERTAIN KIND OF GRAPE THAT SOME COULD BE ALLERGIC TO. COULD YOU FILL ME IN ON ANY INFORMATION?
    THANKS

    Comment by JANET B — June 4, 2004 @ 2:10 pm

  81. I drink atleast 1 bottle of red wine every day. For quite some time now I keep getting sores in my mouth. Anyone know if this could be related to wine / sulfites alergy? and if so is there any treatment? otc medication etc.. Thanks for any help

    Comment by Mike — June 7, 2004 @ 5:55 pm

  82. I drink atleast 1 bottle of red wine every day. For quite some time now I keep getting sores in my mouth. Anyone know if this could be related to wine / sulfites alergy? and if so is there any treatment? otc medication etc.. Thanks for any help

    Comment by Mike — June 7, 2004 @ 5:56 pm

  83. for about 10 years i drank red wines…loved to discover a new grape, a new vineyard, etc..then soemone turned me onto chardonnays. i fell in love with La Crema brand. I was drinking a few glasses about 5x per week. now recenlty, i am developing ANNOYING sinus problems, itchy throat and sneezes. two nights in a row i drank no wine. i started clearing up. last night, i had 2 glasses of my old standby La Crema. today i can’t breathe thru my nose!

    Comment by Andrea — June 25, 2004 @ 11:35 am

  84. In the last year I have developed a severe reaction to white wine and champage. The other day I had one glass of champagne, woke up the next day with terrible headache and vomited until I had to be taken to the emergency room for a shot to end it. But red wines are fine so must be an additive in white wines - but which one? The cheaper wines and champagne are the worst.

    Comment by Ade — July 6, 2004 @ 6:40 pm

  85. I believe the sulfites in wine may be the culprit behind my 10 years of COLITIS. I came to this idea due to two factors; 1. I have an allergy to sulfa based medications and two; that I have been symptom free for the past 17 months - while pregnant and breast feeding therefore my wine consumption dropped to nearly nothing. My colitis cleared up shortly after discovering I was pregnant and I was glad because I really didn’t want to take my daily meds while pregnant. So I stopped taking them. At first I thought it was probably pregnancy hormones that were keeping my colitis at bay, then after the baby was born I figured the breast feeding kept up the hormones. But then I took some vacations and weaned the baby.

    First vacation I had 1 small glass of wine nearly every night for two weeks. By then end of the trip my symptoms came back. I went home, took my med for a week and they were gone again and stayed gone. I stopped the meds because I was breastfeeding. (previously I took my meds only because the doctor said I should even though they never seemed to do anything) Second vacation for 3 weeks, during that time I had a glass of wine every night. By the end of the trip my symptoms were back. I returned home took my meds for a week or two. Symptoms gone. Stopped meds to see what would happen since I had also weaned the baby. I also stopped drinking wine bacause now I suspected it. Low and behold, I am once again symptom and med free.

    Interestingly, my colitis started after college when I was living with my parents in the wine country for two years. I started drinking wine every night at dinner with my parents and developed quite a liking for it and continued to drink it on a regular basis after moving out.

    Needless to say, I am really disappointed that wine may be the culprit - but very happy to have possibly figured out what was causing this stressful disease.

    Comment by Deirdre — July 8, 2004 @ 5:13 pm

  86. My allergy is a rapid heartbeat when I drink most red wines. And I don’t like white wine! I know it’s the sulfites, because I have the same reaction to dried apricots and molasses-containing foods, etc.

    Comment by Mary — July 14, 2004 @ 8:23 am

  87. Recently wine has been making me really sick to my stomach just like some of you have said. If it is the sulfites, then what else should I avoid? Thanks so much
    Melissa

    Comment by Melissa Dunsmore — July 17, 2004 @ 9:13 am

  88. I usually drink dry white wine. After many years I have noticed that 1 or 2 glasses makes me unusually DRUNK. Vodka has no effect. My words become slurred and I act obnoxious when drinking wine. What ingredient in white wine goes straight to my brain. 4 or 5 vodkas and I am not impaired in the least. (Of course, I would never drive having drunk like this.

    Comment by Cindy — July 18, 2004 @ 2:46 pm

  89. Friday, 4 days ago I drank a white wine. I don’t know what kind of wine, but the expensive one. Only a tiny half cup. An hour later I asked if anyone get dizzy, no one experienced it. Soon, dizzy gone. The next day, as usual, my skin rash a little bit. I’m OK.
    But then in the night time….
    My skin rash a lot. To make it worse, it goes to the bones. My right hand, elbow, foot were so painful. feels like rheumatic. The next 2 days pain gone a little, but my right hand and foot become a sort of limp. My left hand a little limp.
    The third day, limp is gone a little. But since 3 days ago, the rash wasn’t getting any better. Now is the I’m very itchy all over my body.
    Now, Tuesday night. I feel itchy and all of my skin is red.

    I don’t know what to do.
    That night I drank wine and eat shrimp. But I’m not allergic to shrimp at all, I eat shrimp a lot, all the time.
    But, I normally allergic to wine, normally if I drink/sip wine, I lost my voice the next day, and rash a little. But never been this bad.

    Ow, Itch.. itch…

    Comment by rivig — July 20, 2004 @ 10:35 pm

  90. With a small sip of wine of any kind I get itchy on the corner of my mouth, and inside my mouth. The roof of my mouth also gets itchy. Once I had severely itchy palms of the hands. Wondering if anyone else experiences these symptoms and if it is from the sulphites. Pat

    Comment by Pat — July 23, 2004 @ 11:33 am

  91. I just got out of the hospital, for a severe allergic reaction to Vodka. The first night, I got reasonably drunk and woke up the next day with a rash. Accompanied by extremely itchy hands. It went away by the afternoon and I decided to finish the bottle of vodka. 8-11 hours later my throat closed and I couldn’t breathe, had “hives” all over me. They rushed me to emergency where I spent 6 hours struggling to breathe and getting IV’d many things. I’ll never drink again

    Comment by kyle — July 27, 2004 @ 7:40 am

  92. You guys have done me so much good, you cant imagine. I did not know that allergies to wine existed!! I knew I am allergic to pollen and dust and lots of unknowns in the air (which I developed in Europe) but not to wine. I have been taking lots of white wine and I would develop breathing problems in the night, stuffed nose etc so I decided to try red wine. It gave me even worse reactions!! Now I know I am indeed allergic to wine! I am not sure if I should turn to beer instead (scared of similar problems)my husband tried to persuade me to try some beer this evening but I have decided to abstain from any alcohol… a difficult decision but I will try to abstain… after reading all your contributions, it appears to be the only solution

    Comment by Serah — July 28, 2004 @ 4:19 pm

  93. Just come across this site and can’t believe there are so many people like me. Up until 2 years ago i often drank wine (red and white). Then at christmas i went out to a party and i had a few bottles of beer then i decided to have a glass of white wine, immediatley after drinking the whole wine i began to feel sick, my mouth became really dry, my lips were tingling and and i felt really hot and weak. I though i must have been coming down with a virus. i then continued to drink wine over the christmas period and was fine but on New Years Eve i went to a pub and ordered a glass of wine, i had only taken one sip and i expereinced the same symptoms. Since this time i have never drank wine but i am begining to crave a glass. After reading the posts on here i believe i may have an allergy to wine but i am begining to crave a glass, does anybody have any advice on the best sulfite free wines that are available in the UK.

    Comment by Katie — August 1, 2004 @ 9:08 am

  94. This site it enlightening! I’m still in the “testing” process. I’ve been a Chardonnay drinker for many years, mainly California. After the birth of my daughter in November, I went back to drinking wine. I don’t drink a drop during pregnancy. I’d had some reds and whites during the holidays, and had no problems.

    About two months ago I started the South Beach Diet to lose the baby weight. After a few weeks on the diet, I treated myself to a few glasses of Shiraz, as South Beach is “ok” with red wine on the program. When I went to sleep, I was fine. A few hours later, I was up with an “itching” feeling under my ribs, itching eyes which swelled up to slits, and the stuffy nose.

    In a million years, I didn’t think it was the wine. The next night, I had a glass from the same bottle. Same reaction, and worse, my throat started to close up and I felt asthma-like symptoms. (lol - I only had children’s Benadryl, and had to practically “chug” the bottle….yuck)

    I had asthma as a child, but outgrew, and have very mild seasonal allergies. NEVER had a reaction before… Wonder what the trigger is?? Was it the removal of alcohol from my diet for so long, was it the chemical reaction of having little carbs in my current diet….

    I’m stumped, and disappointed…. had the puffy eyes from some chardonnay, but the whites seem to vary in reaction by brand.

    What about cork vs. synthetic cork? The wines I had reactions to had synthetic corks…. maybe it was just because the were cheaper….probably the histamines. Just weird that some are bothersome, some are not…

    I want my wine back!!!

    Comment by Debbie — August 2, 2004 @ 7:48 pm

  95. I get little painful red sores on the inside of my nose the day after drinking red wine. I guess they’re like fever blisters.

    Comment by carolyn — August 13, 2004 @ 3:39 pm

  96. have been indulging in red wine for just over 18 months, 1 to two glasses a night, of reasonable quality. have for over twelve months have had swollen and sore salivery glands. have had tests to no avail. question, has anyone experienced anything that resembles this condition. your response will be much appreciated.

    Comment by glenn — August 17, 2004 @ 3:42 am

  97. I believe I had an allergic reaction to Vodka (Smirnoff). I ordered a Cosmopolitan at the bar and drank it. As soon as i finished the drink, i began to feel hot and wanted to pass out. Instead of passing out, I went blind for about 15 minutes. My boyfriend says my eyes were fully dilated and bloodshot. I regained my vision, but i was left with an extremely scratchy throat and hives throughout my entire body. Please respond if anyone has had these symptoms.

    Comment by Jenn — August 18, 2004 @ 5:12 pm

  98. I drank a (very cheap) sparkling rose the other night and experienced a swollen, itchy tongue and throat which faded after ~15 minutes. I visited an allergist to find out what caused the problem, and she told me I am allergic to dairy, wheat yeast and histamines; however, I have NEVER had any reaction to foods containing those items before or since. (I haven’t touched wine since then). Has anyone else had this experience? Thanks

    Comment by joanna — August 20, 2004 @ 7:05 pm

  99. Is anyone finding answers to their questions posted here?

    Comment by Wendy — August 21, 2004 @ 6:19 am

  100. in case answers *are* being found and posted…

    has anyone heard of an allergy to peanut butter making someone’s hands hurt? Hurt as if the person has arthritis, but actually doesn’t have arthritis…

    Comment by Wendy — August 21, 2004 @ 6:22 am

  101. I developed an allergy to white wine at about age 38. I can drink Rose no problem, have not tried red as I have never liked it anyway. Also forgot one night that white wine/champagne is similar, had a terrible respiratory reaction to that too. Dampened the celebration rather quickly!

    Comment by Rachael — August 25, 2004 @ 6:23 am

  102. I,too, have had problems with wine. I have had the “red face,” but only sometimes, and it doesn’t matter whether it is inexpensive or expensive. This has only happened with red wine, not white. Occasionally, I have had problems with racing heart, but not always. I have also had problems with stomach cramping, and diarrhea, but not always. Sometimes I have congestion problems, and occasionally, I will have a headache the next AM, and have noticed a couple of times that
    the roof of my mouth has felt as if those little lines up there will feel raised and a bit sore. I don’t know what to make of it all. I supposedly am allergic to sulfur drugs, but I was tested in many compounds and all were negative. I have no food allergies that I know of. I have been getting a little paranoid lately, as I have been worried about anaphylaxsis and wine. I have been in anaphylaxsis once and on the way another time or two. I don’t understand if I am “allergic” to wines, why don’t I have the same symptoms everytime, and why don’t I have a stronger reaction, like some of the posts on this website. I am a severly allergic person, but after taking shots for 25 years every week; I hardly even suffer from hay fever anymore. My allergies are to pollens, some molds, animals, etc. And, I have a good many drug allergies. I saw on another website posted under this one on Google, that there is new research on what is being tested for wine allergies, etc., and I am anxious to move on and read it, as I love wine, and am sick of suffering for it. I have always been a beer drinker, and it gives me no problems, but after reading So. Beach that it immediately turns into “sugar” in your body,& causes such weight problems, (yes, me!) then I had hoped to move onto wine. I have irritable bowel, and a bad case of diverticulosis and this stomach-ache I get from even one half glass of wine is so annoying. Ellen

    Comment by Ellen Stucker — August 26, 2004 @ 5:32 pm

  103. I,too, have had problems with wine. I have had the “red face,” but only sometimes, and it doesn’t matter whether it is inexpensive or expensive. This has only happened with red wine, not white. Occasionally, I have had problems with racing heart, but not always. I have also had problems with stomach cramping, and diarrhea, but not always. Sometimes I have congestion problems, and occasionally, I will have a headache the next AM, and have noticed a couple of times that
    the roof of my mouth has felt as if those little lines up there will feel raised and a bit sore. I don’t know what to make of it all. I supposedly am allergic to sulfur drugs, but I was tested in many compounds and all were negative. I have no food allergies that I know of. I have been getting a little paranoid lately, as I have been worried about anaphylaxsis and wine. I have been in anaphylaxsis once and on the way another time or two. I don’t understand if I am “allergic” to wines, why don’t I have the same symptoms everytime, and why don’t I have a stronger reaction, like some of the posts on this website. I am a severly allergic person, but after taking shots for 25 years every week; I hardly even suffer from hay fever anymore. My allergies are to pollens, some molds, animals, etc. And, I have a good many drug allergies. I saw on another website posted under this one on Google, that there is new research on what is being tested for wine allergies, etc., and I am anxious to move on and read it, as I love wine, and am sick of suffering for it. I have always been a beer drinker, and it gives me no problems, but after reading So. Beach that it immediately turns into “sugar” in your body,& causes such weight problems, (yes, me!) then I had hoped to move onto wine. I have irritable bowel, and a bad case of diverticulosis and this stomach-ache I get from even one half glass of wine is so annoying. Ellen

    Comment by Ellen Stucker — August 26, 2004 @ 5:33 pm

  104. I’M 15 THIS YEAR.. AND WHEN I DRINK JOLLY SHANDY ( A DRINK WHICH CONTAINS A LIL’ ALCOHOL ) MY THROAT GETS VERY ITCHY AND I WOULD START COUGHING BADLY. DEN MY EYES WOULD FEEL VERY VERY ITCHY. IT WOULD SWELL AFTER THAT.. THERE’S ONE I DRANK SPARKLING H20 AND IT ALSO GAVE ME THE SAME SYMTPOMS. AND THERE’S ANOTHER TIME I WENT TO SWENSEN TWICE WITH MY FRIENDS AND HAD THEIR ICE CREAM THERE.. AND AFTER THAT MY EYES SWELL TOO.. ALTHOUGH THE ICE CREAM AND H20 GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH ALCOHOL BUT I’M VERY VERY CURIOUS ON WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME.. CAN U SEND ME INFORMATION ON WHAT MIGHT BE WRONG WITH ME?? I’M ONLI 15 AND COMPLETELY DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MY CONDITION..

    Comment by Grace — August 28, 2004 @ 12:30 am

  105. I have found for several years now that i get congested after drinking Australian Oak aged Chardonnay and yet i am fine with Australian red or French Chardonnay i have wondered whether there is a difference between wine matured in traditional oak barrels (more likely in french wine) and the possible use of synthetic oak flavoured chips in australia (although this doesn’t explain why I’m okay with Aus red). Could anyone tell me?

    Comment by lynn — August 29, 2004 @ 8:26 am

  106. Hi folks. I have run across a great site for people who suspect they might be sulfite sensitive. It’s members.aol.com/nosulfites/
    and it’s quite informative, especially if headaches are a problem. The site was created by a sulfite-sensitive headache sufferer who has taken the time to extensively research the problem in order to help himself and help others. There are some great links to organic, sulfite-free winesellers.

    Comment by Jen — September 3, 2004 @ 6:49 pm

  107. I have recently become sensitive to sunlight. Every time I go out my skin breaks out in a Histamine produced rash. This only came up recently after a session on the Vodka. At present a month has gone by drinking no vodka, but still the sensitivity.

    Anyone else had a similar problem.

    Comment by Mike — September 4, 2004 @ 5:45 am

  108. For a few years I have had difficulty drinking white wine. I get severe pains in my jaw, although it does not tend to last too long. Red wine has also started to be a problem. My husband bought sulfite free wine and it did not make a difference. Also, I am not bothered by other foods with sulfites. I am, however, allergic to sulfa drugs. This summer I had a strawberry daquiri and experienced numbness on the left side of my body, followed by the severe jaw and facial pains on the left side of my body. I think I’m done with drinking…luckily, I really don’t care that much. The only other known food allergy I have is to tarragon…just being near it brings on an asthma attack and severe nausea and vomiting. I am also allergic to dust, mold, and most things that grow.

    I’m glad to find out that I’m not the only one with such issues.

    Comment by Ronnie — September 7, 2004 @ 11:09 am

  109. I have been a red wine drinker for 30 years. White wine drinker when nothing else is available. Just the other day I drank a whole bottle of good quailty red wine with some friends. The next morning I awoke to one eye slightly swollen. Not bad mind you, but enough to notice. Last night, 4 days later, over BBQ chicken I decided to open a bottle of white (chardonnay)for a change of pace. The next morning I awoke with both eyes swollen and two fat lips. This has never happened before and wonder if my being on “Crestor” cholestral lowering medication could have any effect. In any event am looking for any knowledge on ether subject.With or without medication.

    Comment by Dwight — September 8, 2004 @ 4:53 pm

  110. Having read through most of the postings on this site, the following observations occurred ( I have absolutely no qualifications on the subject — they just occurred!):

    1) It’s amazing how little information is available on alcohol-related intolerances. Is this because there’s no economic interest in anyone researching it?

    2) Red wines, champagne, chardonnay and vodka seem to be the most frequent culprits, with beer causing far fewer reactions. So what do these drinks contain that beer does not?

    3) We seem to be looking at several types of allergic reactions here: some people are allergic to sulphites; some to other, often unknown, ingredients. If the wine industry would invest in some research into what these “unknown” factors are, maybe some of us could go back to drinking their products!

    4) The majority of us seem to have developed our symptoms in our late 30s/40s. Could this be because we are among the first “better-off” generations who have been drinking regularly since our teens?

    5) There’s a huge variety of allergic/intolerant reactions listed here — though some (rashes, stuffed noses, itchy throats) seem to crop up again and again. My own are largely anomalous. (See below).

    In my case, I stopped drinking red wine around 10 years ago (early 30s) after repeatedly developing a blotchy rash on throat and chest, vomiting and feeling as if I’d been poisoned the next day. This summer, I also had to stop drinking white wine. I began to feel worse and worse (”poisoned” is the closest I can come to the feeling) after just two to three glasses of wine. Then after some over indulgence on July 4th (5-6 glasses, perhaps), the next day I felt totally numb all down my right-hand side, as if my nervous system had been affected in some way. I was so terrifed, I haven’t touched a drop of wine since. I have recently experimented with beer (just a small bottle in an evening) and so far have been totally fine. Any similar experiences out there?

    Comment by Heidi — September 14, 2004 @ 2:03 am

  111. I am 55 and a daily wine drinker for more years than I care to admit. Almost exclusively white wine. Recently, I have developed a case of very itchy hands/fingers and feet/toes and to a lesser extent elbows and knees. No rash. Also for a slightly longer time have suffered with a bad case of nocturnal post nasal drip. Do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone? If so, have you been diagnosed with alcohol intolerance or sulfite allergy? Your input would be appreciated.

    Comment by wendell — September 15, 2004 @ 10:12 am

  112. I am thinking that most of these symptoms could
    be typical of candida poisoning?

    Comment by John — September 16, 2004 @ 8:22 am

  113. I wish I only had a stuffy nose! If I drink any kind of wine or food that contains wine or was marinated in wine, I will have nocturnal seizures!I have no explaintion why and it is only with wine. I can drink anything else I want. But I used to drink mostly just wine. Does anyone else have this problem?

    Comment by Donna — September 17, 2004 @ 12:33 pm

  114. Hi Guys,

    after reading most of the post above they seems to be telling us what are the causes of the wine allergy, but no one seems to be advising how to relief that allergy, coz rite now at this moment my hands n feet r puffy, swollen, red, hot and itchy. any one can tell me how i can make my hands more comfy. Thanks! =)

    Comment by heidi — September 18, 2004 @ 9:13 am

  115. This is so reassuring to find I`m not the only one who is suffering after Wine. For me it is White wine that is upsetting. Over the last 12 months I have begun to get migraines after drinking White Wine. I wouldn`t believe it was the wine that was making me so ill at first. My family thought I was hungover but I knew it was different and I hadn`t drunk much anyway. Now even the tiniest amount is making me really poorly. I am in my late 40`s and have for many years drunk both Red and White wine but now after a process of illimination I realise it just isn`t worth it! So I`ll have to stick to Red

    Comment by MinnieChick — September 28, 2004 @ 3:41 am

  116. HEY IM 51 HAVE NOT HAD A DRINK IN 8 YEARS FED UP NOW I CANT DRINK ANY ALOCHOL AT ALL IF I DO I HAVE TO STAY IN BED AND VOMIT FOR THE NEXT 24 HRS
    WELL IM ABOUT TO TRY TO DRINK VODKA ON SATURDAY NIGHT .I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS ALERGY COULD GO AS SOON AS IT CAME SO IM GOING TO HAVE A GO WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW LINDA

    Comment by LINDA — October 15, 2004 @ 4:20 am

  117. Everytime I drink red wine I get extremely painful mouth ulcers. Too bad for me. I don’t like any other wine. I am so glad though that I am not the only one. I thought I was going nuts!! I am glad it is not chocolate that causes it though.
    I am sitting here now with a sore mouth. I only just realised what it was.

    Comment by Kathy — November 1, 2004 @ 3:25 am

  118. try a big dose of vitamin B12 (sublingula, 1000 mcg) before drinking the wine - no congestion, no headache !

    Comment by pskidd — November 16, 2004 @ 3:11 pm

  119. I have an alergy to certain wines, not yet been able to identify the culprits though as i have only recently been aware that i had a reaction from them.
    When i drink it i get pins and needles that become increasingly stringer and painful to the extent that i do not want to open my mouth till it goes away. However i found that when i drink wine whilst having my meal and ensure i finish my drink before the end of my meal, then i don’t seem to get this problem.

    Comment by John — November 19, 2004 @ 9:53 pm

  120. Ok, got a weird one for you. Any kind of wine (red, white, organic, cheap expensive) KILLS me. I get dizzy, stupid, vomit uncontrollably, horrible headache, stuffy nose, often pass out. Even if only a small amount is cooked into my food. Champagne (even the cheap stuff) doesn’t bother me, nor does any other type of alchohol). I avoid whiskey and rum, but that’s more memory association ;). Any thoughts? I am allergic to sulfa drugs, but thought those were different than sulfites…

    Comment by M — November 26, 2004 @ 10:15 am

  121. Anytime I drink Shiraz I develop this rash on my face, arms and legs. It doesn’t seem to itch or irritate me, other the fact that it’s blotchy, red and embarrassing. Other red wines tend to make my face red, but Shiraz develops a rash. It’s strange, but I drink it anyway! :)

    Comment by Danielle — November 27, 2004 @ 3:42 pm

  122. I started getting allergic reactions to both red and white wine at age 38 after many years of being a social wine drinker. Symptoms were that of a cold and respitory allergy. I have found only one kind of wine that does not have any reaction…Chianti. After being scared to drink for weeks after my last episode of feeling like I had a cold for a week, I went to an Italian restaurant and ordered Chianti (2 glasses with dinner) and no reaction. Last night, I tried to go back to a Cab/Merlot mix and had the same allergic reaction. I’m sticking to Chianti on the rare occasion I try to have a drink anymore.

    Comment by Kristi — December 10, 2004 @ 6:20 am

  123. Anyone know anything about the possible connection between nickel allergies and red wine? This weekend, I was out for dinner with a pharmacist & allergist and we got to talking about why I wasn’t drinking red wine. She asked me if I had ever had any reaction to metals, and I remembered that I have a bracelet that had twice made my arm go purple (it looked like I had a huge bruise from the wrist to way above the elbow). At the time, I was told it was a reaction to nickel and she said that red wine also contains a high content of nickel, and that maybe it is this which causes my adverse reaction. She told me to try a nickel-free diet for a week and see if that makes me feel any better. Eating nickel-free is next to impossible, as it excludes just about everything, but after Xmas I’ll give it a go and will post any observations. In the meantime, here’s a link to a site that says similar things to those I was told on Sat night:

    http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fa/nickel.html

    Wld love to hear from anyone else who has given/ wld like to give this a try.
    NB: Weirdly, this nickel-high food list also contains beer, which gives me no adverse effects . . .

    Comment by Heidi — December 24, 2004 @ 3:17 am

  124. 3 weeks ago, feeling perfectly fine. No hint of getting sick at all. I decided to have a glass of red wine. I woke up that morning at 3am with a sore throat. Got back to sleep and woke up a few hours later feeling absolutely terrible. Symptomatic of a bad cold. Although I can’t recall having an allergic reaction to wine or alcohol (and didn’t know about alcohol allergies), I instantly got suspicious because of the surprise attack and started doing the research. I couldn’t believe it. I’m 45 and I have a glass of wine or a beer or a glass of vodka only once in a while. It took me 4 days to get over this bout with the glass of cabernet. Fast forward 3 weeks. I’ve been feeling great. Had one beer a week ago, no problem. Last night I had a very small glass of vodka with a dash of Tia Maria. And this morning I’ve got a mild sore throat. Nothing like the red wine, but for me it’s official, I’ve developed some sort of allergy to something used in alcohol.

    Comment by Craig — December 26, 2004 @ 9:26 am

  125. Please help! I am itching like crazy. I had some Merlot and Gewurtztraminer New Year’s eve (total of about 3 glasses) and 1/2 glass of some champagne from 1996. I have little raised areas the size of the head of a pin in various areas all over my body (except not the face). I’ve also been eating a lot of Hickory Farms cheese (highly processed) over the past couple of days. After reading through all of this I’m becoming convinced that this is due to the wine and cheese. I’m taking max doses of Benadryl and it’s not helping at all. ANY IDEAS on how to clear this out of my system? Thanks!!!!!!

    Comment by Jan — January 2, 2005 @ 8:02 pm

  126. Yeah, wine does me in too! But no sniffing or sneezing….a few sips and I black out….just dizzy, then down…no warning. I’ve tried a few times….I guess I’m a slow learner. Rye/wiskey is another killer…in fact most alcohols will do me in. The only thing I’ve discovered that doesn’t put me out for the night is tequila…wierd,eh? (I had to throw that in, I’m Canadian)

    P.S. To Mike who posted June 7/04…A bottle a day man?…I don’t think allergies are your problem!

    Comment by Terri — January 4, 2005 @ 1:31 pm

  127. Had 2 glasses of White Merlot last night and somewhere between the 1st and 2nd glass I developed a sore throat. I’ve remembered this in the past but always thought it was because I drank too much. It happened so suddenly…sore throat and stuffy nose. I thought I was coming down with the flu or something. I see that I am not alone.

    Comment by Unice — January 6, 2005 @ 6:57 am

  128. After giving birth to my second baby I have started having a reaction to alcohol. I used to love beer (any malt beverage for that matter) but now my eyes start to itch and puff up. It looks like I have excema around my eyes. Wine also makes me itch. Will I ever be able to drink socially or have a beer or glass of wine again?

    Comment by Erin — January 9, 2005 @ 5:26 pm

  129. I have started having heart palpitations every time I drink even half a glass of cheap white wine. No more wine for me! very scary!

    Comment by SUZIE — January 14, 2005 @ 1:31 pm

  130. I have no known food alergies, but if I drink a
    glass of wine late at night, I will not be able
    to go to sleep. Does anyone else have a problem
    with insomnia after drinking wine?

    Comment by Ann — February 3, 2005 @ 4:19 pm

  131. Over the past 5-6 years during the months of August to March the upper parts of my arms have an intense itch that drives me crazy. I have tried going to the doctor who told me it was dry skin. I went to the derm. who told me the same thing. Gave me creams that cost me an arm and an leg, but didn’t work.

    The other day my husband asked me if I wanted a glass of wine with dinner (we drink Sutter Home Zinfidel or Beringers) but we didn’t have any. I had forgotten to go to the state-store and kept putting it off to another day. Then it dawned on me that my arms stopped itching. I havn’t had a drink of wine in over a month. I am going to buy a small bottle of wine and have a drink to see if the intense itching on my arms return. I will let you know. And yes the only way to stop the itch is with an anti-histomine.

    Comment by Patti — February 11, 2005 @ 7:41 am

  132. I am so glad I found this site! I am a daily beer drinker and had the bright idea to give up beer for Lent.

    I’ve had chardonnay instead every night since last Wednesday (today is Monday) and since Thursday morning thought I was coming down with the flu. Sore throat, stuffy head, sinus headache exhausted, achy all over, feel feverish etc. Not to mention a few glasses and I black out - not good!

    To heck with Lent, I’m going back to beer which causes me no problems at all! I hope this horrible flu-like feeling passes quickly, as it’s pretty unbearable. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences!

    Comment by Jessica — February 14, 2005 @ 3:34 pm

  133. I have an allergy to sulphites/sulphur which presents as eczema on the palms of my hands and soles of my feet. After two years of intense pain and embarrassement the cause was diagnosed by a Naturopath after spending a small fortune on both conventional and alternative therapies. The problem is the sulphites that one ingests unintentionally. It isn’t always clear that sulphur/sulphites are present in foods/drinks. Is there an antidote that one can take to alleviate or neutralise the sulphites/sulphur. Help please

    Comment by Sue — February 21, 2005 @ 12:31 pm

  134. I have an allergy to sulphites/sulphur which presents as eczema on the palms of my hands and soles of my feet. After two years of intense pain the cause was diagnosed by a Naturopath after spending a small fortune on both conventional and alternative therapies. The problem is the sulphites that one ingests unintentionally. It isn’t always clear that sulphur/sulphites are present in foods/drinks. Is there an antidote that one can take to alleviate or neutralise the sulphites/sulphur. Help please

    Comment by Sue — February 21, 2005 @ 12:33 pm

  135. Hi Melissa, regarding your comment on March 2004: I also get a reaction to my eyes after drinking wine. Only half hour or so after drinking a small glass of red wine, my eyes start to get itchy, this itchiness, which is really intense!, stays for several days and my eyes are all red. Sometimes, I get a small rash underneath and above my eyelids - and when I do- this leads to my eyelids swelling up the day after- and it takes about a week to get back to normal. Anja

    Comment by Anja — February 23, 2005 @ 2:50 am

  136. Has anyone ever had heart attack symptoms after drinking wine or beer? I have done a process of elimination and after only two glasses of either, 3 hours later I now have a “heart episode” that has scared me enough to abstain completely. I loved my red wine and mourn not being able to imbibe. Fortunately, drinking alcohol is an elective…

    This has just developed over the past six months or so - I have no other allergies that I am aware of. I am now 50 years old.

    Comment by rebecca — March 1, 2005 @ 10:38 am

  137. i went to a party and this guy that i knew had never drunk tequila rose. we started playin an alcholic game and we took a bunch of shots of tequila rose. he started to get really tired and once he had layed down and started to drink water, i noticed that he was gettin an allergic reaction. he started to form a rash on his arms, neck, and face. it started to scare me and