Wine is an all-purpose alcoholic beverage that people enjoy drinking worldwide. From raising a toast to sharing it at a feast, wine is suitably enjoyed and works perfectly with virtually everything. Unfortunately some people have a wine allergy which prevents them from enjoying any wine intake depending on the severity of the allergy.
Various studies have revealed that wine has phytochemicals like resveratrol, polyphenols, quercetin, and flavonoids that offer some health benefits when taken in moderation (say about a glass daily). However, as much as wine is known to provide multiple health benefits, drinking wine can also result in an allergic reaction.
Allergies are no fun; a wine allergy is even worse. Although uncommon, it’s possible to have an allergic stimulus to wine, especially red wines. This is common and said to affect 10% of the population.
If you feel terrible, itchy, tired, or experiencing sinus pressure after consuming wine, this might be a sign you are suffering from a wine allergy. Some individuals may even have riskier symptoms. As such, wine allergies are not different from food allergies and should be handled seriously.
If you’re wondering whether you are allergic to wine or what triggers an allergy, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about wine allergies. This article discusses wine allergy, its causes, the potential allergens in wine, symptoms, preventions, and possible treatments.
Without any further ado, let’s dive right in!
What is a Wine Allergy?
Allergies are irregular immune reactions to particular allergens present in wine. Wine sensitivities are pretty common, but actual wine allergies are scarce and can vary from slight sensitivities to risky ones.
Drinking wine may not always initiate a reaction. You could drink wine for years and not notice an allergy until you taste a specific wine. The level of danger involved depends on the person’s allergy intensity and the particular compound in the wine they are allergic to.
What Causes a Wine Allergy?
Wine allergy is caused by grape sensitivity, proteins, and elements used for the wine fining, such as isinglass or fish gelatin, gum Arabic, enzymes, dairy products, ovalbumin, and yeasts.
A recent study stated that one of the proteins seen in wine is the lipid transfer protein (LTP), which originated from the grape skin. LTP is a known allergen and can cause severe symptoms like anaphylaxis.
Allergens in Wine
For most people who experience hostile reactions after taking a glass of wine, it isn’t the alcohol that triggers the reactions. But instead, it’s the allergens present in the wine. There are various types of potential allergens in wine depending on the vintner’s fermentation process, wine preservative steps, or the wine’s fundamental ingredients.
These allergens are what trigger the actual allergy. They react just like food allergies.
Potential allergens in wine include proteins, molds, dairy products, enzymes, and substances used in wine production. Also, sulfites, tannins, and histamines are some ingredients believed to enhance wine allergies.
1. Sulfites
Sulfites are naturally-occurring substances used to preserve foods and beverages to last longer. Why some people have sulfite allergy is unidentified, but genetics and the environment could be contributing factors.
Also, whether or not sulfites harm your health depends on your body system or health status. According to a recent study, 1% of the population have a wine sulfite allergy, and 5% of this 1% population are asthmatic patients.
Also, it’s worth noting that the sulfite allergy itself is not treatable. But some patients become less severe to the allergen gradually with time.
2. Histamines
A histamine reaction can arise after taking red wine. Histamine is a byproduct of fermentation during the process of making wine. It is one of the primary causes of wine allergens.
3. Tannins
Tannins originates from the grapes used to produce wine. Tannins add to the color and flavor of wine and can lead to an allergy. Tannins in red wine have also been attributed to migraines.
4. Egg Whites
Egg whites comprise of a globular protein that is frequently used in wine production. This protein, referred to as “albumen,” is used to help purify red wines while they age in a barrel. The use of albumen is the oldest fining technique in the wine production industry. But unfortunately, albumin is said to be a wine allergen.
Egg white allergic reactions include skin inflammation, hives, nasal congestion, and cramps. Severe allergic reactions often lead to anaphylaxis, which causes a rapid pulse, restricted airways, and even shock.
5. Casein
Casein is a kind of phosphoprotein originating from milk. You may negatively react to any of these phosphoproteins in your wine if you’ve ever responded allergically to milk or cheese product consumption. This wine allergen reaction involves eye itching, rash, swelling, sneezing, skin itching, and nasal congestion.
Signs And Symptoms of Wine Allergy
While alcohol sensitivity is believed to affect about 10% of the population, an alcohol allergy is thought to be less common. In individuals with a severe wine allergy, just one milliliter of alcohol can trigger a reaction.
Wine or other alcohol allergy symptoms can be similar to other food allergies. Some of the wine allergy symptoms are:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe rash
- Stomach cramps
- Collapse
- An itching or burning feeling on the mouth, lips, or throat
- Rash or hives, which may be scratchy
- Stomach upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat
- Chest tightness
- Exacerbation of underlying asthma.
When to seek medical attention
Since some possible allergens are specific to wine, you may not know you are allergic unless you do allergy testing. A blood or pinprick test with an allergist can specify your allergies precisely and assist you in preventing those allergens in what you consume.
If you’re novel to taking wine and have any symptoms after that relate to wine allergy symptoms, then please see your doctor to discuss your possibilities. Your physician can help you determine if your symptoms are an intolerance to wine or perhaps an allergy to something else. You may also be directed to an allergist for testing. If it is a wine allergy then it is up to you whether you are willing to stop drinking or manage the symptoms after consumption.
In some situations, an allergic reaction can be severe and result in anaphylaxis. In addition, the anaphylaxis symptoms can suddenly show and quickly get worse; as such, it’s a medical emergency. So, seek medical attention instantly if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis after drinking wine, as this is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
Overall, it’s always a good idea to consult a physician if you experience any allergic reactions shortly after drinking wine. Remember though, that anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, so if you or someone has anaphylaxis, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room instantly.
Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis, Requiring Emergency Treatment May Include:
- Breathing difficulties
- A swollen tongue
- Collapse
- Tightness in the chest
- Problems with swallowing and speaking.
- Feeling dizzy or weak.
Wine Allergy Preventions
Sometimes, a healthcare physician may associate an allergy to a particular compound or ingredient in wine. People with a wine allergy or intolerance should follow their healthcare provider’s directions. In some cases they may suggest that you stay away from red or white wine intake altogether.
Also, those with a wine intolerance may likely have an intolerance to other things. For instance, if somebody is diagnosed to be intolerant to the sulfites found in wine, they may also need to stop eating other foods that contain sulfites, some of which are:
- Dried fruit
- Beer
- Deli meats
- Some kinds of frozen or preserved shrimp
- Canned vegetables or fruit
- Sausages.
Therefore, if you’re allergic to wine, the best way to avoid having a wine allergic reaction unfortunately is to stop drinking it. Perhaps, if you know the constituent in the wine you’re allergic to, you may be able to avoid it.
Sometimes, careful label reading can help inform you too. For instance, wine labels notify you if the wine has sulfites.
Ending Thoughts
Wine allergy and sensitivity aren’t fun; they can hinder your ability to enjoy wine to the fullest. If you have any inquiries about wine allergies, talk to your physician. You don’t want to discover you have a wine allergy at the wrong time and in the wrong place.
After reading this article, I believe you have an in-depth knowledge of what causes or may trigger an allergic reaction in your body whenever you drink wine. You have also been given possible symptoms to look out for so you can follow up with your physician if you think an allergic reaction has or does occur.
If you have no allergies, go out there and enjoy some wine!
I believe this article has answered everything you need about wine allergy. However, if you have further questions, let’s chat in the comment session below.
