Is there a correlation between auto immune diseases and alcohol intolerance? During the last 6 months I have sporadically experienced red facial flushing, stuffy nose and fast heart beat after drinking either red or white wine, I only have to have half a glass of wine to experience this. It s upset me a huge amount as living with RA is hard enough one looses a sence of control when diagnosed with a long term health condition. I do love a glass of wine, i find can be relaxing in moderation and a joyful experience so to become alcohol intolerant is rather sad! I spoke yo my doctor she says it would come up in my 3 monthly blood checks, however my bloods are fine! I was hoping it maybe sulphates I may be allergic to and could therefore change my drink or choose sulphate free wine, I'm assuming now it could be all alcohol. Has anyone else experience with this? It could be the medication im on Humiri.
I do love a glass of wine, but fear may never be able... - NRAS
I do love a glass of wine, but fear may never be able to drink again!
Looking back I now realise that an intolerance to alcohol was one of my early symptoms of impending RA. Previously I was someone who enjoyed my wine, I attended several wine clubs and had a lovely collection of around 80 bottles of wine.Gradually I started not to enjoy wine so much, and was feeling quite giddy and increasingly ill after even one glass, then I found I just didn't want any alcohol at all. Shortly after feeling like this, the symptoms of RA began and I became very unwell.
I don't drink alcohol at all now, and actually find the smell of it unpleasant. A few weeks ago at my daughters birthday I was persuaded to take a teeny weeny glass of champagne, maybe 20mls or so. Once a big favourite of mine, I found the taste abhorrent and became quite flushed and felt ill for a while after drinking it.
5 + years on, I really don't miss it at all.
Over the years I have given my wine collection away bit by bit as gifts to people, I now only have a few bottles of expensive reds left, quite sad in some ways.
The most difficult thing to deal with is other people trying to push alcohol onto me and questioning why I'm not drinking. It is all quite absurd that people feel they have the right or need to express views on what I drink or don't drink and can create bad feeling and a sense of leaving me feeling somewhat chastised for not taking alcohol at their offer.
My partner and I attended a 70th birthday party only yesterday. On entering the party he was offered a drink, he chose a soft drink as he was driving. I was then asked what I wanted, when I replied a sparkling water I was quizzed on why we both were not drinking, I said because we don't want too, to be met with raised eye brows.....absolutely unbelievable.
My mother is the biggest culprit, everytime I am in her company and there is alcohol, we have the same conversation...but why are you not having a glass of wine ? as if it is mandatory or illegal not to drink wine 🤔 over 5 years on my patience has worn thin.
When in the company of people who are drinking, I often have a tonic water with ice and lemon or lime, people assume it is a G and T and, leave me alone.
Sorry a bit of a rant, but the birthday party yesterday was our first social event out since the pandemic, I hardly got my feet in the door of the house and the obsession with drinking alcohol was thrust in my face again 🤯.
I'm not sure if I have answered your question, but my dislike of alcohol and RA are somehow inextricably linked, but it really doesn't bother me anymore, people trying to push alcohol onto me does.
Well of course, you have every right to feel cross at other people s dustain on you abstaining from alcohol. I think it marvellous that you don't drink. Im just baffled as to why now I seem to have an intolerance to alcohol. I thought initially it was just an allergic reaction but I'm not sure. Thanks for the reply
I don’t know what it is that people can’t cope with someone who doesn’t want to drink alcohol. I’m not TT but I can take it or leave it and I’d far rather have a cup of tea or coffee or just a glass of water yet most people look at you as if you’re a bit odd when you ask for a soft drink or water. I don’t care how much they drink. And my former neighbour who along with her husband really loved their booze was the worst. You would think in this day and age people would be better at coping with people who don’t want to drink. 😉
I think people assume that in order to have a good time alcohol needs to be consumed, There are people who need alcohol to be social, so rather than make you feel bad you should be admired for your stengh.
Yes. All that. Same. Makes my blood boil!
People want you to join them in a drink because it Justifies them drinking. Don't forget alcohol is a narcotic. Saying that it's totally normal and healthy to have a small glass of wine with a meal, the problem is when it becomes tow or three. That's the point where you are upset by others not drinking.
I can understand people who can't or choose not to drink being frustrated by this, but if anything we should feel sorry for them. As it very often means they have a problem.
I only very Occasionally have a drink um normally when the pains too much before I go to bed or if I've got an upset stomach.
It doesn't sit well with me, never thought it might be because of the ra.
What I do find extremely helpful with no side effects is cannabis. Technically its legal in the UK for medical use. But as with all things moderation is the key.
I don't drink Jaxine It makes me feel really unwell...didn't think of the link before.Been there Mmrr with people re pushing drinks onto you! xx
It's quite absurd the 'right' some people feel they have to push alcohol onto strangers / aquantences / friends or even family.
well it s started to make me feel unwell too. But fir me it s a shame as do like a glass of red wine occasionally!
Yes that is a shame Jaxine . I used to drink shandies and they got weaker and weaker so much that it was more lemonade than anything. I used to have a quarter glass of prosecco if I felt pressured at a social event but it made me unwell straight away, like Mmrr
well the last white wine I drank I had loads of ice and soda and i still reacted badly. But I did drink it with a straw as I have a ghastly tooth ache (waiting for root canal) so maybe the straw was not a good idea!
I like my tea, lattes and fresh orange n lemonade now but I understand it must be frustrating. Good luck for the dentists. 🍀
I drink very occasionally / rarely. I have the same reaction as you to red wine since RA. I seem ok with the occasional glass of white. I assumed it was my blood pressure meds causing it but it may be the R A . I guess alcohol does cause inflammation so . ?
It’s not rosacea, by any chance?
I had the same thing start to happen to me about 18 months ago, no matter what alcohol I drank. Flushing, palpitations and feeling very unwell.Around the same time I started to get a similar reaction when injecting my Amgevita. I spoke to the biologics pharmacist at the hospital who recommended I take an antihistamine plus two paracetamol half an hour before I inject which has helped.
I started doing the same when I knew I’d be drinking alcohol but it didn’t help as much.
Last August I was in hospital with Diverticulitis and consequently diagnosed with Diverticular Disease. It was then that I decided to give up drinking alcohol all together as it can be a trigger. I didn’t drink much anyway so I don’t really miss it. I have a new role as the family taxi driver now though!
Not sure if their is a connection with RA or even biologics but it’s really interesting to read other peoples experience with alcohol and makes one wonder 🤔
I’ve never understood the mindset of people who look at you like you have two heads because you’re not drinking alcohol though 🤷🏻♀️
Yes I read if you take antihistamines prior to having a drink it can help,nhowevercwill mask the symptoms and side effects which can be worse in the end. Not when you take it with your injection though very different.
There is a long covid group I’m a member of, seems to be huge numbers on there that have become intolerant to drinking alcohol as part of their long term symptoms. Some can’t stand the thought of it, or suffer worse symptoms after drinking small amounts.
How long have you been diagnosed?It could be you are just getting settled on your meds….& the wine sets off the sniffles. I love my red wine…but in the hay-fever season I lay off it because it does make the symptoms worse.
One of the first questions my first rheumatologist asked when I was diagnosed was did I have hay-fever…& he said to be careful of alcohol in the hay-fever season…but otherwise to enjoy wine in moderation.
The only thing that does affect me all year round is Sherry…but as I’m not fond of it I don’t miss it.
I hope your sniffles calm down….. & you can enjoy a glass of wine soon,
four years so a long time. I'm going to try a gin and tonic as an experiment as there are no suphates or grains in gin, if i still experience the same side effects I think I have my answer. But I'm surprised my doctor did not want yo at least test me for alcohol intolerance rather she thinks it will cone up in my three monthly bloods. I don t think so, I believe it is a seperate test required.
I used to be able to drink like a fish. Voluntarily gave it up for a decade or so - was caring full time and near enough single-handedly for my disabled daughter born in 2008 and even a couple of drinks didn’t fit with that lifestyle - then started having the odd indulgence or even a night out when she hit the double digits and we’d finally sorted out respite care for every other weekend. Stopped again completely when I started on mtx due to local policy being they wouldn’t prescribe it unless you agree to abstain, and stayed completely stopped for the duration of being treated with that and leflunomide. Which was a good thing as my liver quite strongly disagreed with lef in the end. Once that stabilised and I got the all clear from hepatology last autumn, I’ve only really had a couple of cheeky drinks, mostly because just one pint of lager now leaves me absolutely hanging the following day. Even if I drink two pints of water before bed, I can guarantee that I will wake up feeling like I’m dying the next morning after just one drink. So, not exactly the same thing, but definitely some sort of bodily intolerance to alcohol these days, and also coinciding with going on to imraldi, weirdly enough 🤔 I didn’t drink at all over Christmas, and I’ve had a bottle of good vodka sat untouched in the cupboard (vodka being my favourite tipple of choice) for several months now. In all honesty, though, having had years of not drinking by choice, and knowing how ill one drink made me feel the last three times, I’m not currently missing it at all.
Yes I've been told that Vodka and Gin are the best drinks in relation to having no sulphates. I hope your daughter is well.
Yes, I am the same with sweating, flushing and racing heartbeat. I believe its RA related. Anything over one glass and I end up suffering for it! Doesn't matter if its red or white, both cause the same... I totally sympathise with you.
It has to be right! It can t just be a mere coincidence that intolerance to alcohol starts after diagnosis!
I found that I started to not feel well after having white wine (shame as I loved it) I stopped it for a while and then tried again and what I realise were RA symptoms flared up, have now given up on white, it's not worth the pain,I can tolerate red wine and a G&T ut only one, I now only have one or two a week.
I'd be fine with having to abstain from red or white, my problem is it might be all alcohol beveridge! RA is bad enough it s nice to have the choice xnd enjoy a gkass occasionally.
I have a couple of glasses if red wine on a Saturday. Sometimes share a bottle of Leffe beer with hubby if we have a curry in. Ok so far. Don't drink in week as get up early for work. I don't feel like drinking a lot of the time but I put that down to age I'm 52. My hubby is the same and he doesn't have RA. We have to avoid his sister as she gets arsey if people don't drink when at her house. She has lots of garden parties in summer and we don't go. We get called boring and end up in an argument. One of the things that stops me drinking is remembering how bad hangovers are as you get older!
Hi Javine. I've been on Humira for nearly 10 years and have experienced no allergic reactions at all. I also love my wine🍷🍷
I too always have a couple of glasses of wine on a weekend..depends which wines drink though x
don t blame you!
Hi
When I was diagnosed with RA, I asked about drinking alcohol and was advised to drink in moderation. Since then I carried on drinking, but in moderation and mainly wine but taken with food. I occasionally get a flush which lasts for a short time, but nothing that affects me. As I get older I definitely can’t drink as much as I used to ( head aches the day after ), my biggest indulgence at the moment is drinking whiskey 🥃 which my son has just discovered, and he does buy really nice stuff ( but in moderation again ).
Chris_0
I was advised the same 20+ years ago……so I reckon if we do as advised & drink our favourite tipple in moderation & don’t overdo do it…..whether we have RA or not…… as we get older….amongst my friends anyway …… most people seem to drink less alcohol…& tbh eat less food as well.Those who have found alcohol violently disagrees with them may have had the same reaction if they didn’t have RA.
But I bet there would be much less accusing RA of being the reason …..if it was chocolate that upset people 🤣
I'm afraid not AC, absolutely no doubt my RA and aversion to alcohol are linked, just as my inability to take highly sugary food is too.
It makes sense that the body being attacked by the ravages of RA, doesn't want regular poisons to deal with too, so develops an aversion ' one trial learning' perhaps ?
The issue is that a substantial proportion of the population are unable to deal with people not taking alcohol for whatever reason...probably something to do with their own self esteem, or personal drinking habits ?
But it happens to a lot of people as they age Mmrr… none of my close friends have RA…but most of them drink much less alcohol than they used to…..& believe me it’s not only alcohol that brings out “why don’t you”?…….from ?? well meaning people.
I honestly might kill the next person who tells me “you would feel much better if only you would eat more “.
I am fed up with telling them you don’t get RA because you don’t eat enough.I really like Salad….even in the winter……..and the sight of a plate piled high with food that I am expected to eat- genuinely appals me.
I naturally have a small appetite …..my doctors are happy with my weight and so am I…..so if anyone thinks they are being caring by trying to force more food on to people who don’t eat as much as they do…..Please stop it…it’s like drinking alcohol….people eat what we need & choose to eat…not what someone else thinks we should eat.
Rant over! 🤷♂️
I and a lot of others were not 'old' when the intolerance of alcohol occurred, rather it happened at the same time as RA.I know my own body.
My sugar intolerance is RA related too.
My reply sounds a but abrupt, it wasn't meant to be, sometimes the written response 'sounds' different to the vocal 😎
I do believe as I've got older ( I'm 58) that I am not able to consume the amount I used to and don t personally wish to as it comes with too many after bad side effects, however I would like to have the choice! In my opinion having RA can be responsible for inviting other health problems to the party. I have dry eyes, my eye sight has deteriated, my migraines are worse, i have extremely dry skin, i now have Raynards disease, and now i believe I could be intolerant of alcohol. Everyone is different. So when I say a correlation with RA it might not be a direct cause but RA has inflicted other unwanted health problems. Im ok with sugar but rarely eat it, im a savory girl, give a packet of cheese and onion crisps any day!
This is interesting, I have a diagnosis of Stills Disease which for me manifests as RA. I’m 60 now and diagnosed age 17 and have been drug free since my mid twenties apart from pain relief and NSAIDs.I like a glass of wine and always get a huge face flush and strange thumbing of the heart after half a glass! In recent years I’ve started to feel nauseous in the morning from this one glass.
As I’m drug free maybe this experience is related to the RA in our bodies rather than the drugs?
Or as I just replied to Chris O….it could be age related….or even one drug will allow a person with RA to drink …..I continued drinking whilst on Mtx for 7 years and I & my liver were fine……but for another person it would be a big NoNo? As long as I’m not in pain….I will eat & drink what I like..but certainly - like most people, I wouldn’t try to persevere with anything…..including red wine……if it gave me horrible symptoms.
yes I'm exackly the same! At least this thread has given me food for thought or shall I say wine!
Must be that AI diseases cause alcohol intolerance or aversion. Best drink up before it gets worse then 🤪
🤣🤣🤣
What I can say for certain is that red wine and tea both of which I enjoy daily make my joints ache, I’ve read that it’s the tannin they both contain and when I’m on holiday (wishful thinking) and switch to coffee and white wine I do notice the difference. However that could be attributed to the stress free holiday or heat in the sunnier climates.......
I'm OK with coffee and tea, rather boring though!!
Hi - I am on Abatacept - I found a while ago that a glass of wine was making me feel unwell. Now I just have a sip or two and that is enough. Increased heart beat, tiredness. I actually feel better for not drinking - Hope you can correlate what to do! Have a feeling that alcohol can increase inflammation in your body.
Fortunately I don’t have a problem with a glass of wine. I don’t drink fizzy drinks, if I’m driving I always take either a bottle of non alcoholic wine or lately I’ve bought the non alcoholic gin which is a nice refreshing drink with ice and tonic and a slice of lime.
I have problems with racing heart now if have 2 glasses. I have bought a couple of non alcoholic drinks so i can b sociable. Martini and Tanqueray gin 0%. Then I can have a half a glass of wine if I want and dont get the symptoms 😉
I too could not tolerate alcohol while taking humira,the flushing face the intolerance that used to be not there now is
I have an intolerance to sulphites I’ve never been able to drink red wine because it gives me a migraine. I have had the odd rum and coke but very rarely I have found strangely enough that I can tolerate the odd half a glass of rosé. With me it’s a personal choice I’d rather not feel unwell as a result of having alcohol. There are some great alcohol free wines and spirits these days which are just as good without the complications. Hope your G&T trial works but I doubt it.
I also no longer drink but with me it's becasue it triggers cluster headaches and migraines. However, hangovers got really bad too and the final straw was a few sips of beer a few years ago resulting in an almost immediate migraine which went on for about 2 weeks. I learned later that this was actually a cluster headache and alcohol is a well known trigger.
But it's been an ongoing on and off issue throughout my adult years really and after doing some research it seems that some people are just intolerant to the stuff. Apparently hormones play a part, blood pressure and having certain enzymes which are more prevalent (or not - can't remember which way round!) in certain people, Finnish, native Americans, I believe Asian people also suffer especially from the aclcohol 'flush'.
It doesn't happen often but I too have had that 'Oh go on, one won't hurt' bollocks. It's like no one can be happy or enjoy themselves without the stuff.
I used to love a drink too, especially red wine and I got sick of people telling me that I should try another drink and going on about how red wine was worse for hangovers etc: absolutely no evidence of that whatsoever and actually white wine made me far worse becasue it felt like it was burning my stomach.
Anyway, it all started long before my diagnosis so in my case it has noting to do with that, I suspect it may be a biological thing, I'm German, maybe I have Finnish blood in me somehwere way back!! My mother is also not great on alcohol and although not as bad as me is also headachy type.
I think I read somehwere that blood type may have something to do with it although I don't think blood type illnesses and disorders have ever been proved.
Hi Jaxine. I’ve had RA for over 30 years and used to drink anything and would usually drink too much on holiday😆. No problems at all except the usual hangover. I’m not a big drinker normally and can take it or leave it. Since I started Tocilizumab I no longer can drink. If I have say one vodka and tonic I’m Ill the next day. In my situation I can’t say it’s the RA causing it . I now don’t drink and don’t really miss it to be honest. My OH wasn’t too happy saying well it’s not worth going out then if ya can’t drink🙄. Surely you can have one. He now understands that I can’t, rather than won’t and is fine cos lucky me I get to drive 🥴. Its just one of those things I have to deal with and it’s no buggy now. Take care
Can t think of anything worse than being the designated driver watching everyone getting merry and high whilst I sit with my diet coke! Blinken blimey! However, I may have no choice as it s no party either feeling just dreadful. Good for you though for your high spirits, not the alcoholic ones!
Designed driver is quite funny sometimes 😄 xx
I have a diagnosed allergy to sodium metabisulphite and I am an enthusiastic tippler. I have found that white wine is particularly high in sulphites but champagne and cava not so. Nor red wine. Nor spirits. If I take in too much sulphite I get sneezing fits, runny nose and watery eyes. This stuff can be found in local anaesthetics and medicines so it may be worth checking if you have a allergy/intolerance. I am sticking to cava. Cheers.
I still get flushing face with red wine but not as much as with white. Ive spoken to doctor, who as I mentioned earlier thinks any allergies will flag up in my routine bloods, I do not consider this right! It should be a seperste test. I'm goingvto try a wee g&t and hope it s safe! Cheers 🍻 🥂
I used to love several glasses of wine but since taking mxt for 20 years I don't drink at all. In my opinion it isn't worth the risk. Our livers are being attacked enough with the drugs. To be honest I haven't missed it at all When I have been at dinner parties (a long time ago now) or at a wedding etc, I have Schloer in a wine or champagne glass and it is great plus there is the added benefit of not feeling hungover the following morning.
I used to love wine. Now I can't touch the stuff. Sends me into tailspins of nausea, pain, etc. Redness, flushing. I have given cannabis some thought, especially for sleep.
Initially after I was diagnosed and on the first lots of meds I didn't get hangovers....it was amazing. I was having a ball and my friends who were a lot younger were in awe.
Unfortunately this is no longer the case and I'm no longer fussed either way.
Sorry your having this side effect.
So am I dreadful inconveinance! It s nice sometimes to enjoy a glass of wine. Often i m unable to due to tiredness and horrid head aches. The only pain killer that works for me for my joint pain is co - codamol yes it can be addictive, but when I'm flaring up and I'm in intense pain I'd take arsenic if offered! My point is I can t drink often if flaring up and on pain killers can t drink!
This whole arthritis thing is shit. I'm nearly five years in and not much better really...unless on steroids.
Genuinely Im sorry your not able to enjoy wine, I take co codamol, yes people have told me not too as well.
Maybe try Gin. Jawbox with honeycomb and lemon fanta is a fave of mine or Bombay and tonic.
Life's too short to be in any pain that you can avoid.
Sorry if I've offended. Really didn't mean too.
You did not offend at all!!! Im the same as you 4 years in and not settled on meds. Tried 5 Dmards all bad side effects and im on my 4th biologic! I also, as you, get told not to take co- codamol, but when my pain is bad I take it, it s my choice! I also take steroids when bad. 🍻 ill try that recommendation. X
I'm on steroids all the time, 5th biologic , first month was amazing. Now I've tried to cut the steroids and my knees are awful. I actually think art of the reason I don't drink as much is the fear that I wouldn't stop.
It's hard holding this shit together.
I have five kids, my own business and am the main breadwinner in the family.
Gosh I do sympathise totally the one thing I have always conveyed is that I got diagnosed at 53 ii feel blessed as I have four children ( all grown up now) I have no idea how I would have coped with this disease when bringing up young children. I feel awful that I'm not always reliable to help with grandchildren I have 4. I had my children very young aged 20 onwards. I also suffer most from my knees, wrists and hands and recently it decided to attack my neck. It s not just the living with the disease itself and the horrendous side effects of RA but the side effects of the medication., but with an auto immune disease it invites other conditions to the party! Im presently waiting for root canal a relatively easy and non avasive prooceedure however, due to being immune suppressed I ve had to come off meds fir 3 weeks and have been told to come off for two weeks after. This has resulted in my RA attacking me everywhere. A glass of wine would be welcome but now I'm facing intolerance it seems soooo cruel! And you're right it must horrible fir you in your situation five children and holding down a business, as it s the tiredness that is dreadful it s not tiredness it s some a debilitating tiredness. X
I know. I got a new biologic Jan, felt like a new woman. Past week or two not so good. Today find out that the pulled muscle I thought I had is pneumonia. 🙈
Hope you feel better soon poor you!
When first developing RA I didn't want alcohol. Easier dut to being in East Malaysia where it's less drunk.Since I still have G & T , red wine , sherry , and rose.
I drink a very low alcohol rose now, take it with me if visiting friends.
I tend to only drink a couple of evenings per week, sometimes not at all for a few weeks.
I stick to one red wine brand which doesn't seem to effect me negatively.
The sherry was to encourage my appetite post surgery, drank it prior to eating my meal.
My take on it is to listen to my body as to whether I drink alcohol or not.
Cheers 
This has just hit the nail on the head for me !! I’ve been having a very stressful time and feeling unwell and started having regular wines each evening only a glass and half but by the time I have finished it I’m feeling pretty rough I’ve put it down to g really feeling under the weather but now I’m thinking that this does not sit well with my meds which is NTX and hydroxy. I’m gonna stop that habit from today as not really meant to drink that much on MTX I think ! See if I feel any better !
Are you feeling better? I've found rednwine is ok but white has a hugeceffect on me!
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