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The reaction is the result of an accumulation of acetaldehyde, a metabolic byproduct of the catabolic metabolism of alcohol, and is caused by an aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency. [4] This syndrome has been associated with lower than average rates of alcoholism, possibly due to its association with adverse effects after drinking alcohol. [5]
[34] [35] [36] On the other hand, the more uncommon alcohol allergy is an immune system reaction to alcohol (specifically ethanol) that causes symptoms such as rashes, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases. [37] [38] Nausea is a symptom common to both alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy. [35]
Rhinophyma develops in certain individuals with an unknown predisposition from long-standing rosacea which has progressed to a severe form. [2]Although rhinophyma has been commonly presumed to be linked to alcoholism, a direct causal relationship between the condition and excessive alcohol consumption has not been substantiated. [2]
Ethanol-containing beverages can cause alcohol flush reactions, exacerbations of rhinitis and, more seriously and commonly, bronchoconstriction in patients with a history of asthma, and in some cases, urticarial skin eruptions, and systemic dermatitis. Such reactions can occur within 1–60 minutes of ethanol ingestion, and may be caused by: [50]
Electrolyte problems and low blood sugar should also be treated. [2] Early treatment improves outcomes. [2] In the Western world about 15% of people have problems with alcoholism at some point in time. [3] Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, slowing cerebral messaging and altering the way signals are sent and received.
Disulfiram is a medication used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol (drinking alcohol). Disulfiram works by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (specifically the ALDH2 enzyme [3]), causing many of the effects of a hangover to be felt immediately following alcohol consumption.
A number of drugs do not cause disulfiram-like reactions, but have other unintended interactions with alcoholic drinks. For example, alcohol interferes with the efficacy of erythromycin. Patients on linezolid and tedizolid may be sensitive to the tyramine present in tap beers and red wine. [8]
Alcohols applied to the skin are used to disinfect skin before a needle stick and before surgery. [2] They may also be used as a hand sanitizer; [2] to clean other areas; [2] and in mouthwashes. [3] [4] [5] Taken by mouth or injected into a vein, ethanol is used to treat methanol or ethylene glycol toxicity when fomepizole is not available. [1]