Sudden development of intolerance to alcohol

tootsie · Newbie Joined: 22 May 2007 Posts: 2

Hello. I am a 44 yr old Canadian female of Estonian/Ukranian decent. I have had asian flush for several years, that appears after one drink of alcohol. Last summer, at the age of 43, I suddenly became very sick the next day, after consuming some beers. I was sicker than I had ever felt: not like a hangover, but MUCH worse. Figured it was the flu or something equally debilitating.

The next time I drank, I was sicker faster on less alcohol. Things progressed rapidly from there. Less booze, sicker immediately.

Now if I have only an ounce of alcohol, I am immediately flushed, nauseated, very hot, dizzy and horribly out of sorts and upset, so obviously, I do not drink at all.

My question is: WHY am I suddenly no longer able to tolerate alcohol? I was able to drink with the best of them, but suddenly, I cannot break down the enzyme or have developed some serious aversion physically.

I am seeking medical advice and further testing but want to know why my body just stopped allowing alcohol.

Thanks!

Tootsie

Guest · Guest

bcurran · Newbie Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

I too am experiencing this same situation. I only drink about every other week and then it is usually no more than 2 drinks. About 4 months ago for a friends birthday we went to a wine bar. I had a couple of glasses of wine. I felt just slightly tipsy that evening. But at 4am I found myself violently ill, throwing up. It felt as if I was poisoned and lasted until 5pm. After that I avoided alcohol for months. Then on my own birthday I had a couple of drinks and experienced the same affects the next day. Again I didn't drink for months. Then I was at a dinner party and decided to give just 1 glass of wine a try and within 2 hours found myself already experiencing the symptoms of a severe hangover without any feelings of being inebriated. At this point I am not drinking at all. I have read severe posts now on this site with similar situations but no follow-up posts of causes or remedies. So is everyone just not drinking anymore? At this point that is what I imagine is going to be my situation. I just don't want this to be an indication of a bigger health issue that is going untreated.

LindaSeddon · Newbie Joined: 26 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

Thank goodness for that! I thought it was just me! Christmas Day yesterday and I had a couple of glasses of wine and I feel like I've been poisoned ! It's gone on for about 4 or 5 years now and each time it gets worse and takes less alcohol. I feel like death today and know I will for at least another 48 hours.

Has anyone any ideas on how to alleviate the symptoms? I drink loads of water to rehydrate etc. but to no avail. I haven't sought medical advice yet but have often wondered if it was tied in with my IBS which was diagnosed around about the time the symptoms started.

I don't have to drink much to get a reaction. One glass of wine can do it so I tend to avoid alcohol 99% of the time. People who don't get the reaction don't realise how ill you feel with it. It goes beyond a normal hangover don't you think?

Any suggestions?

Linda

Guest · Guest

I have the same problem. I always had bad hangovers in my 20`s, but they would go away after 1 day and I good nights sleep. I am a 35 year old woman. The last 4 years I have had horrible, horrible reactions to alcohol. If I drink one glass of wine or a dark beer, I will feel dehydrated, tired and hungover the next day. Off of 1 drink! If I have a lite beer or a weak mixed drink, I can have one with no problem. BUT, if I go a litte crazy and have several drinks, I am sick for almost a week. I drank about 7 beers Sunday night, and still feel horrible today (Thursday). I have tried herbal supplements to help liver function, but those have not worked at all. I just need to learn not to drink. I don't drink most of the time, but every once in awhile it is fun to kick back and have fun. It is NOT worth it though! Anyway, I don't have any solutions, just wanted to let others know you are not alone!

Guest · Guest

I drink about once every 6 months due to the fact that I get feel like absolute crap and get severely depressed for a few days after. This happens even off of 1 or 2 beers. This does not seem to me at all normal in any case.

Guest · Guest

I am in the same boat and I am really worried. I used to drink a lot in my early 20's. I would always get hangovers but they would be gone after 24 hours. I am now 35 (woman) and I can't drink at all! This has been going on for about 4 years. I noticed it after the birth of my 3 son. I didn't drink for almost 2 years due to being pg and bf my son. If I would have 1 drink I would be fine, but if I had 2 I would feel crappy for 2-3 days. Now it has gotton worse. If I go nuts and have a wild night and drink alot, I can hardly function for 2 days, then will feel crappy and sluggish for about 5-6 days! Now if I even have one drink (light beer or wine cooler included) I feel bad for 4-5 days. I had a wine cooler on Saturday and still feel bad today on Wednesday. I am going to ask my Dr. about it when I go for my yearly check next month. I know the cure, just don't drink........ But I am worried it is something else. I don't know why I keep doing this to myself. I don't have a problem with alcohol but do love to have a drink now and then. Vacations are hard too. It is hard not to resist having a drink while I am relaxing on a beach~ but when I do, it ruins the rest of my trip.
I have tried herbal supplements, drinking tons of water, gatorade, etc..... Nothing works. Has anyone found an medical answer??? I did read on another post to have adrenals checked. I will have to mention this to my Dr.

Sudden development of intolerance to alcohol

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