Alcohol intolerance is a medical condition that prevents your body from breaking down alcohol normally. The condition leads to a build-up of the chemical acetaldehyde, which can cause unpleasant symptoms like flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting. Alcohol intolerance is most common in people of Asian descent but can occur in anyone. Current recommendations for the management of alcohol sensitivity include abstinence, avoidance, or the use of antihistamines to see if the severity of the reaction may be reduced 33.

Impact on treatment of alcohol-associated liver disease and liver transplantation

The SUMMIT trial compared collaborative care models for AUD and opioid use disorder treatment to standard care, and demonstrated improve abstinence in the collaborative care group 101. These models offload some of the burden on specialty providers in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry and allow their expertise to reach higher numbers of patients. These models can be integrated into primary care offices to improve access to SUD treatment for those in need. Prevalence of AUD continues to be highest in American Indian/Alaska Native populations 1, likely due to a long history of oppression, isolation, and social and economic exclusion.

Immediate Symptoms

Supportive care is a crucial aspect of the management of long COVID and post-COVID syndrome. While medical treatments and therapies can address specific symptoms and complications, supportive care focuses on promoting overall well-being and facilitating recovery in various ways. It is important to remember that for someone with alcohol intolerance, avoiding alcohol is more than just not drinking alcoholic beverages. Some people may be sensitive enough that even alcohol-based hand sanitizers can trigger their alcohol intolerance. This may not be noticeable unless you actually feel your pulse; however, some people can feel their heart beating faster.

• The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered and magnified existing inequities in health, housing, job security, and countless other social and economic resources.
• Unlike the immediate symptoms, these symptoms may or may not happen when alcohol is used.
• The restaurant was selling 2 different margaritas to go (one with malt, and one with tequila) so I just assumed I got the malt one by mistake and that was the cause of my headache.

However this was later evaluated in a systematic review by Kulkarni et al. 52 who found that mortality was similar across LT recipients and non-LT patients (17.4%) when accounting for age and other comorbidities. There was no significant difference in mortality between those infected within one year versus after one year from LT. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, harmful alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder were rising in the United States 1. In 2001–2002, the 12 month prevalence of AUD was 8.5%; a decade later in 2012–2013, this rose to 12.7%, a 49% increase 1.

Specifically, it is believed that the virus can cause gastrointestinal inflammation and damage, leading to a reduced ability to absorb and process alcohol. Additionally, COVID-19 can affect the liver and other organs involved in alcohol metabolism, leading to further changes in alcohol tolerance. Additionally, some long COVID patients may experience psychological symptoms such as mood disturbances, anxiety, and depression after consuming alcohol. Antihistamines can help to reduce the intensity and severity of the symptoms alcohol intolerance causes.

What are the symptoms of alcohol intolerance?

These symptoms were disruptive to his regular activities including work and recreation. The patient reported a mild to moderate acute COVID infection that was managed outpatient with supportive care. Prior to his initial COVID infection, the patient reported consuming alcohol twice a month with no issue or reactions. The patient experienced chronic, daily headaches characterized by a squeezing sensation at the top and back of the head, typically worst at night.

New-onset alcohol reactions and sensitivity can occur after COVID-19 infection in patients with PASC. Furthermore, investigating the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for new-onset alcohol reactions and sensitivity may provide valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiology of post-viral conditions, such as PASC and ME/CFS. The experienced medical team at Oasis Medical Institute takes a comprehensive approach to addressing long COVID symptoms, including alcohol intolerance. When a patient presents with symptoms, they undergo a detailed evaluation to identify the root cause and understand their unique condition. With this information, a customized treatment plan is created, combining conventional medicine with complementary therapies. This case series describes four PASC patients who developed new onset alcohol sensitivities after COVID-19 infection.

Holistic Approach at Oasis Medical Institute for Long COVID Treatment

If you are a long COVID patient experiencing alcohol intolerance, you may benefit from seeking treatment at Oasis Medical Institute. The initial consultation will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical history, as well as a discussion of your treatment goals and preferences. At Oasis Medical Institute, their team believes that addressing alcohol intolerance in long COVID patients is paramount to overall recovery. Their integrative approach to treatment ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are taken into consideration, providing the highest quality of care. It’s important for patients with long COVID to be aware of the potential for alcohol intolerance and to monitor their response to alcohol carefully.

This condition is notably common in patients with ME/CFS and is becoming increasingly recognized in patients with long COVID or PASC 13-15. Our understanding of why individuals develop OI after viral illnesses is incomplete, but it is plausible that this could be a key mechanism by which alcohol consumption aggravates symptoms in those recovering from viral infections. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, potentially worsening the drop in blood pressure seen in those with OI. As a diuretic, alcohol may amplify dehydration in OI patients, further diminishing blood flow to the brain when upright and intensifying symptoms 26. The medical director of Oasis Medical Institute is Dr. Francisco Contreras MD, a renowned expert in integrative medicine with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Contreras and his team of healthcare professionals have helped numerous long COVID patients achieve significant improvements in their health and quality of life, offering a ray of hope for those struggling with post-COVID complications.

• One study noted that only 15% of Americans had an outpatient mental health specialty practice in their community 97.
• Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID, is characterized by persistent symptoms after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection that can vary from patient to patient.
• Alcohol cessation can slow down progression of liver disease and even reverse it 89,90.

The Symptoms of Alcohol Intolerance in Long COVID Patients

This could make the PVN extra sensitive to life’s stresses, causing fatigue and relapses similar to ME/CFS. Alcohol intolerance is a condition where the body reacts negatively to the consumption of alcohol. But after her infection, she found herself unable to tolerate even small amounts of alcohol, experiencing unpleasant sensations like lightheadedness, sluggishness, and queasiness after just a few sips.

Moderating Your Drinking

Some individuals report experiencing these effects almost immediately after drinking, while others may notice them developing over time. “One of the definitions of post viral fatigue syndrome is there’s not a laboratory abnormality,” Dr. Vaughn said. Dr. Contreras has contributed to numerous research papers, articles, and medical journals, solidifying his expertise in the realm of integrative medicine. His commitment to patient care and evidence-based treatments has earned him a reputation for trustworthiness and excellence. Dr. Contreras is frequently invited to speak at international conferences and post covid alcohol intolerance has been featured on CNN, WMAR2 News, KGUN9 News, Tyent USA, and various others for his groundbreaking work. His dedication to the medical community and his patients is unwavering, making him a leading authority in the field.

While many individuals with COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, an increasing number of patients are experiencing long-term effects that last for months after their initial infection. These long-term effects, commonly known as “long COVID,” can manifest in various forms and severities, including alcohol intolerance. The patient used to consume several drinks per week and drink socially, but reported that she had not consumed alcohol for the last seven months due to decreased tolerance. The patient reported one instance, post-COVID infection, during which she had one glass of wine and had such a bad reaction that she felt she could not move. She described her symptoms as similar to a “bad hangover,” with a headache, grogginess, and “overwhelming” fatigue the next day.

For instance, a study examining cirrhosis hospital admissions from the National Inpatient Sample found that in-hospital mortality was highest for Black patients 55. This study also examined ALD burden in cirrhosis admissions, and the authors demonstrated that ALD was disproportionately prevalent in American Indian/Alaska Native individuals (64%) compared to other racial and ethnic groups (44–53%). Patients with higher psychosocial risk profiles are more likely to be declined for transplant wait-listing 56, and Medicaid insurance has the most restrictive alcohol abstinence policies 57.