J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2001 Dec;21(6):1201-1205.

Two cases of alcohol-induced asthma

• Sohn SW
• Chang YS
• Lee JY
• Jung JW
• Kim SH
• Kim YK
• Cho SH
• Min KU
• Kim YY

Abstract

Alcohol-induced asthma is defined as exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms after drinking alcoholic beverages. This phenomenon is rare in Caucasians and is more specific to Asians. It has been observed among 50% of Japanese asthmatic patients and genetic predisposition in acetal-dehyde metabolism is thought to be a main factor in alcohol-induced asthma. Although the genetic predisposition of acetaldehyde metabolism in Koreans may be similar to the Japanese, alcohol-induced asthma has not been reported in Korea. We experienced two cases of alcohol-induced asthma which were confirmed by oral ethanol provocation test. In the first case, a 60-year-old male asthma patient presenting a recurrent episode of wheezing and dyspnea after alcohol consumption visited our clinic. After an oral challenge with 300ml of 10% ethanol solution dissolved in 5% glucose solution, dyspnea and wheezing episode were reproduced and 23% decrease in FEV1 compared to basal level was also shown at 20 minutes after ingestion. In the second case, a 32-year-old female asthma patient was presented with the same symptoms. After oral challenge, dyspnea and wheezing episode were reproduced and 30% decrease in FEV1 compared to basal level was shown at 60 minutes after ingestion. Short acting bronchodilator was applied and 21% increase in FEV1 resulted. They were instructed to avoid alcohol consumption with good results.

Keyword

alcohol; asthma; acetaldehyde; genetic predisposition

MeSH Terms

Acetaldehyde
Adult
Alcohol Drinking
Alcoholic Beverages
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Asthma*
Drinking
Dyspnea
Eating
Ethanol
Female
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Glucose
Humans
Korea
Male
Metabolism
Middle Aged
Respiratory Sounds
Acetaldehyde
Ethanol
Glucose