Alcohol sensitivity, acute
MONDO:0012454Alcohol 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.
Also known as: alcohol sensitivity, acute, Hangover, susceptibility to, acute alcohol sensitivity, alcohol intolerance
102 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 2 tagged with Alcohol sensitivity, acute itself.
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Curcumin vs. hangover: small study tests natural remedy
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether a curcumin supplement (NatureU Cheers Friends Curcumin) could reduce hangover symptoms in 12 healthy adult men. Participants took either the curcumin or a standard hangover product before drinking alcohol, then reported their hangover severity the next m…
Sponsor: OmniSolutions Laboratory Holdings Limited • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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A gene test might curb drinking in east asians
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tests whether telling Taiwanese university students their ALDH2 gene type, which affects alcohol intolerance, changes their drinking habits and attitudes. Participants receive their genotype results along with standard health education about alcohol risks. Researchers …
Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 05, 2026 00:00 UTC