Why do faces turn red when drinking

Total Shares. The main method that the body metabolises or breaks down alcohol is dependent on two enzymes: Alcohol dehydrogenase which first converts alcohol into acetaldehyde and Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH2 which breaks down acetaldehyde into harmless compounds. With expertise from:. Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery.

Please do not disregard the professional advice of your physician. Sharing is caring! Sign up today! Please enter a valid email address. Trending Now. You May Also Like. Facebook WhatsApp Email Us share. All Rights Reserved. Singapore General Hospital. Facial flush after drinking is a sign of alcohol sensitivity and can also be indicative of other health issues. Our Treasure Coast alcohol detox center explores more about what causes alcohol flush and what to do about it.

So, what causes this? As the body breaks down alcohol and ethanol, it uses metabolites that are supposed to make it easier to flush alcohol and its counterparts from the body. One metabolite, acetaldehyde, is toxic to the body and can build up to high levels in people with alcohol sensitivity. As it builds, blood vessels in the face dilate as a response to the higher levels of toxins in the body. Getting a red face after drinking can also be associated with unpleasant symptoms like nausea or increased heart rate.

But their liver takes more time to turn acetaldehyde into acetate. The results are: A less intense "buzz," harsher side effects from acetaldehyde poisoning, and long-term, a higher risk of mouth and throat cancers.

Alcohol flush reaction is a genetic condition. It's thought to originate among the Han Chinese, in central China. Over the centuries, it has spread throughout East Asia. Since the condition is genetic, there is no cure. The upside? Those afflicted often avoid excessive drinking and alcoholism.

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