NIH Rare Diseases

Alcohol intolerance is characterized by immediate unpleasant reactions after drinking alcohol. The most common signs and symptoms of alcohol intolerance are stuffy nose and skin flushing. Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition in which the body is unable to break down alcohol efficiently, usually found in Asians. These individuals accumulate acetaldehyde, the primary metabolite of ethanol, because of a genetic polymorphism of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) that metabolizes acetaldehyde to nontoxic acetate. The only way to prevent alcohol intolerance reactions is to avoid alcohol. Alcohol intolerance isn't an allergy. However, in some cases, what seems to be alcohol intolerance may be a reaction to something in an alcoholic beverage, such as chemicals, grains or preservatives. Combining alcohol with certain medications also can cause reactions. In rare instances, an unpleasant reaction to alcohol can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem that requires diagnosis and treatment. Last updated: 6/26/2015

MalaCards based summary

Alcohol Sensitivity, Acute, is also known as acute alcohol sensitivity, and has symptoms including facial flushing after alcohol intake and delayed oxidation of acetaldehyde. An important gene associated with Alcohol Sensitivity, Acute is ALDH2 (Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Family (Mitochondrial)), and among its related pathways/superpathways is Glycolysis / Gluconeogenesis. The drugs Ethanol and Fomepizole have been mentioned in the context of this disorder. Affiliated tissues include skin.