Heart palpitations that develop right after drinking beer are considered as one of the indication of anaphylaxis which is a systemic allergic response that affects the whole body. It is important to note that beer contains grains, sulfites and alcohol that can instigate an allergic reaction among highly sensitive individuals.
Once the heart rate increases after consuming beer, a doctor must be consulted right away. If the individual experiences a severe allergic reaction, it can lead to the development of life-threatening symptoms. It is advised to avoid beer until a doctor can be seen for proper assessement. When it comes to anaphylaxis, it is vital that you know the appropriate steps to take in order to avoid complications from developing. All you have to do is to register for first aid training today so that you are prepared to handle an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
After drinking beer, anaphylaxis can occur in some individuals due to various conditions. Anaphylaxis is a condition that is instigated by a particular allergen that the body wrongly identifies as a threat to the body. This reaction is usually the result of a medication, insect bite or food.
During a severe allergic reaction, the soft tissues will release histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation. The soft tissues become tight and swollen which leads to further complications such as elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, weak pulse and an abrupt drop in the blood pressure.
Grain allergy
Beer is usually made out of grains. If the individual is allergic to barley, wheat or rye, heart palpitations and an increased heart rate can be triggered by grain proteins utilized in creating beer. When the individual consumes beer, the immune system erroneously identifies the proteins as allergens and they are attacked by the IgE antibodies. This causes the flood of chemicals in the body which sends it into a state of shock.
Sulfites
Sulfites are usually utilized in wine and beer as a preservative in order to stop the beverage from changing color. If the individual is allergic or sensitive to the sulfites, it can lead to anaphylaxis. An allergic reaction will trigger the production of IgE antibodies while sensitivity will only cause digestive issues.
Intolerance to alcohol
Even though intolerance to alcohol is not considered as an allergic reaction, it can still progress to anaphylaxis. Intolerance is the inability of the body to digest and absorb alcohol. This can lead to itchy skin, nasal congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, elevated heart rate and abdominal pain. Consuming beer can instigate symptoms of intolerance that can lead to the development of heart palpitations.
If an individual is suffering from heart palpitations that seem to persist, it is best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis of the exact cause.