I don’t wish to drink at all, but so far nothing, and I mean nothing, has stopped me from breaking out in hives like shots of booze. I am suffering from an extreme allergy to dust mites (air everywhere).
I’ve taken recommended and above recommended doses of over the counter meds as well as doubling and tripling up on my hydroxyzine script. This has proven to be useless. The cost of filling prescriptions is out of pocket. I don’t have insurance. I have no income. I have no desire to start drinking again. My college days are long behind me and it was a matter of pure luck that I found out alcohol is more than a fun time drug.
I need to know where to find information regarding the use of alcohol as an antihistamine. Why does it function so well as an antihistamine? How much do I need to drink in order to prevent breakouts?
The pills don’t work to do more than stop the itching. I will still be covered with hives/whorls from 5-60% of my surface (and smooth cells: stomach/esophagus/veins and arteries are all comprised of smooth cells…or so I’ve gathered). I have difficulty swallowing and an upset stomach with, or without pills once a breakout has spread to over 40% of my body. I become an invalid. My mind stops working. It must be shutting down in order to take care of my body… which it can’t do on it’s own. I can only lay around uselessly, or sleep an uneasy/itchy sleep.
Getting a good buzz on from distilled spirits is 100% effective in preventing AND reducing breakouts to zero… as long as I have some booze on board. I don’t know how to (or even want to) start logging intake to find out how much is enough, because I already know any alcohol is bad for me, no matter if I’m using it only to treat/prevent hives. We’ve all read that some alcohol intake is good for the body. To prevent/eliminate hives, it’s more than two drinks with dinner.
Maybe what I should be asking is if any of you know a dermatologist who is willing to help me for free. I live in Milwaukee, WI. I am willing to travel anywhere in America to find help. I will find a way to pay for my travel, and if I have to pay for a doctor. But please understand I can’t afford much. Any research, any links, anything the community can help me with would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your response everyone, especially you matador 89. I can only conclude I have to find a trial somewhere. I’m going to start calling dermatologists to see what I can find out.
Curious,
Rather than acting as an antihistamine, the consumption of alcohol can provide histamine and aids in the release of histamine. Alcohol prevents the breakdown of histamine. Moreover, histamine shares the same ALDH for its metabolism, hence an impaired ALDH enzyme will amplify the problem after the ingestion of alcohol which leads to excess histamine in the system. This leads to allergy-like symptoms including most notably nasal congestion and mild flushing of the skin within minutes of ingesting alcohol. Other side-effects include fluttering of the heart (palpitations, tachycardia), sensation of heat, headache, abdominal discomfort or a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) are related to high blood acetaldehyde levels. The commonest abnormal reaction to alcohol is seen in persons from an oriental background, who get flushing, increased heart rate, and symptoms of reduced blood pressure. This is sometimes referred to as ‘oriental flushing syndrome’. Approximately 50% of Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans are deficient in ALDH, and this has been reported to be protective against the development of alcoholism. I have no knowledge of alcohol being used for or acting as an antihistamine. I am therefore unable to discuss this at any greater length, other than to suggest that if there are any trials in progress or planned, maybe you should research for them and apply giving details of your reactions to alcohol and histamine release in your body.
ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.
It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.
The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Hope this helps
matador 89
Not an answer but I really thought Matadors answer was fascinating.