An allergy to hops, which gives beer its bitter flavor, can cause people to break out in hives. Worse, it could lead them to develop anaphylactic shock.
- An allergy to hops is often pointed out when someone becomes allergic to beer. However, there are other components of beer that may be causing the reaction, these include:
- Yeast – People who have intolerance to yeast could develop symptoms of an allergic reaction when they drink beer.
- Alcohol – common in people of Asian ancestry, this is a common condition and can lead a person to break out in hives when they drink beer.
- Yeast – People who have intolerance to yeast could develop symptoms of an allergic reaction when they drink beer.
- Any type of allergy should be taken seriously and people who suspect that they are allergic to hops should go to a doctor for treatment options.
Beer Hops Allergy Symptoms
Here are symptoms to watch for when an allergy to hops is suspected:
- Hives
- Runny Nose
- Itchiness
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue
These symptoms can appear as soon as the patient comes in contact with beer or anything that has hops in it. It will get worse if exposure to the allergen is not stopped.
Hops Allergic Reactions – Anaphylaxis
In some instances, the reaction to hops can be very severe leading to a condition known as anaphylactic shock. The symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Throat swelling
- Swelling of the face, lips, and tongue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Increased Heart Rate
- Rapid Drop in Blood Pressure
These are life threatening symptoms and should be taken seriously. If any of these are observed, the patient needs to be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.
Treatment
- In the case of an anaphylactic attack, hospitalization and the administration of epinephrine is necessary.
- Avoidance is also very important.
- Patients will also be given drugs that help control symptoms including medication for the itching and swelling.