Why Do Some People Flush When Drinking Alcohol?

Why Do Some People Flush When Drinking Alcohol?

You've probably seen it: the person who, after drinking one or two alcoholic beverages, suddenly turns red. At first, it looks like a simple blush, but as the person continues to drink, the blush slowly begins to cover his entire face and often even spreads to the neck and chest areas. In this condition known as flush reaction, additional symptoms may also include nausea, drowsiness or headaches. Although alcohol flush reaction most commonly affects people of Asian descent, people of all backgrounds may experience the condition. So what causes it? And why do some people experience it every time they drink, while others can consistently drink without it affecting them? In simple terms, alcohol flush reaction is caused by the body's inability to break down alcohol.

What Causes Alcohol Flush Reaction?

Typically, when a person drinks alcohol, her body produces the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme. The purpose of this enzyme is to convert ethanol (the main ingredient in alcohol) into acetaldehyde--the toxic chemical responsible for those unpleasant hangover symptoms--as well as a harmless acetic acid. While this process usually causes no visible side effects, for some people, a mutation within the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme prevents the breakdown from occurring. As a result, the toxic chemical identified as acetaldehyde builds up in the individual's body, causing your typical hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, drowsiness and light-headedness. However, in addition to these symptoms, the increased amount of acetaldehyde causes capillary dilation. As the body's smallest blood vessels, your capillaries make it possible for oxygen, water and other nutrients to pass through your bloodstream. When capillaries dilate, it can lead to red, raised or itchy skin.

Does Alcohol Flush Cause Any Other Problems?

Although many studies reveal that individuals afflicted by alcohol flush reaction are less likely to experience unpleasant side effects from alcohol, research also suggests that these individuals are more susceptible to alcohol-related illnesses such as liver disease and cancers of the digestive tract or esophagus. In fact, many scientists believe the flushing is the person's body's way of discouraging him from drinking.

How Can You Prevent Alcohol Flush Reaction?

Medicines containing ranitidine and famotidine are often effective in preventing alcohol flush reaction. Commonly found in medications used for heartburn relief, these ingredients often relieve symptoms of the condition when taken an hour before drinking. Although the exact reason for the ingredients' effectiveness is unknown, many scientists believe the drugs are antihistamines and therefore help reduce capillary dilation. Other studies indicate that individuals who experience alcohol flush reaction may grow more tolerant of alcohol over time.

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