Prevalence of self-reported hypersensitivity symptoms following intake of alcoholic drinks Clinical & Experimental Allergy (OnlineEarly Articles) 10 October 2007
Although hypersensitivity symptoms following alcoholic drink consumption are common in asthmatics, the prevalence of such symptoms in the general population is not known.
To assess the prevalence of hypersensitivity symptoms following alcoholic drink consumption in an adult Northern European general population and the association of these symptoms with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma.
The prevalence of alcohol-induced symptoms from the upper airways, lower airways, and skin was 7.6% , 3.2% , and 7.2% , respectively.
A total of 13.9% had ever experienced alcohol-induced symptoms from at least one of the three regions (upper airways, lower airways, or skin), and 9.9% had experienced symptoms in the last 12 months.
All types of beverages were commonly reported as triggers of hypersensitivity symptoms, red wine being the most common. Alcohol-induced hypersensitivity symptoms from the upper and lower airways were significantly more prevalent in persons with AR and asthma .
In this Northern European general population, self-reported hypersensitivity symptoms following the intake of alcoholic drinks are common. These symptoms were markedly more prevalent in persons with AR and asthma.
The underlying mechanisms and the clinical significance of these symptoms remain to be elucidated.
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