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Condition report · Toxicology

Alcohol Flush Reaction

Acute alcohol sensitivity is an inherited reduction in the body's ability to break down acetaldehyde, a toxic product of alcohol. It causes facial flushing and discomfort after drinking.

A condition report looks for rare variants known to cause the conditions it covers.

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The condition we analyse

Acute Alcohol Sensitivity (ALDH2 Deficiency)

Autosomal dominant

Reduced activity of the ALDH2 enzyme, most often due to the common ALDH2*2 variant (rs671), causes acetaldehyde to build up after drinking, leading to flushing, a fast heartbeat and nausea.

What a diagnosis changes

Carriers who drink alcohol have a much higher risk of oesophageal cancer, so limiting or avoiding alcohol is the main action.

Also known as

acute alcohol sensitivity; alcohol intolerance

MONDO:0012454OMIM 610251MedGen 390639

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