Alcohol Flush Reaction

As the name suggests, the condition of alcohol flush reaction has to do with drinking alcohol. What happens is, some people, post drinking, develop blotches which may appear something like red rash on different parts of the body, prominently on the face. That is why red face and alcohol are related to each other. This condition is largely noticed in people who hail from the Asian regions of the world. This is also the reason why the condition is also known as 'Asian Flush' or 'Asian Glow'. According to different studies, about 50% of Asians are susceptible to suffer from this condition after drinking alcohol. However, the effects may be different for different individuals. For instance, some may get the reaction after drinking a mere one or two sips, while for some, the symptoms may start showing up only after the person has had several drinks.

Symptoms that May Accompany Alcohol Flush Reaction

Alcohol flush reaction may also be regarded as alcohol red face, because the drinker's face takes on a reddish color because of the reaction. Now this redness may be accompanied by some other symptoms, which might worsen the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Fatigue
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Blotched skin

Possible Triggers

When alcohol makes its way into the body, it gets converted into a toxic substance. The agent responsible for this is what is known as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Now, once this toxic substance gets produced, a condition known as erythema occurs. Erythema causes the blood capillaries which are present in the neck and shoulder to get dilated, which manifests itself into the face going red. In most people, the production of the toxin is hampered by the body's own production of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2). This substance breaks down the toxin, thus preventing the occurrence of alcohol flush reaction. However, as I said, in most Asians, this detoxifying process fails, resulting in causing the red discoloration.

Treatment

Alcohol flush reaction does not have any cure as such. However, this does not signify that the condition cannot be dealt with at all. There are certain measures, which when followed diligently, can help in cutting the risk of developing the condition. So far, experts have recommended a couple of these measures, which have been described as follows:

• Experts are with the recommendation that consuming starchy foods prior to drinking, helps in giving the stomach a type of protection. This protection is nothing but a coat, which helps in preventing the flushing.
• The other method by which you can reduce the risk of alcohol red face is by eating sugary foods and foods rich in vitamin B-3.

And the fact is obvious that, in lack of any cure, prevention is should be the main focus. It would not be so wise to randomly buy any OTC drugs to deal with the reaction. Consulting with a physician first may avoid worsening the circumstances. Also, you must be aware of the amount of alcohol your body is capable to manage. Educate yourself about alcohol abuse, or alcohol addiction, as even this aids in the prevention. Even doctors say that alcohol drinking, when kept to a moderate level, actually does good for the body. But as the saying goes, too much of anything is bad, try to keep your drinking limited, and know that drinks are enjoyed best when you are conscious.