[Anaphylactic shock caused by ethyl alcohol ingestion]

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Toxicology
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Alcohol consumption is widespread, with potential for adverse reactions.
• Previous history of urticaria in the patient suggests a predisposition to hypersensitivity.
• Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

Observation:

• A 34-year-old female presented with near-fatal anaphylactic shock.
• The reaction occurred within 15 minutes of consuming an alcoholic beverage.
• Six years prior, the same patient experienced generalized urticaria after consuming various alcoholic drinks.

Findings:

• The patient's reaction was triggered by an alcoholic beverage.
• The history of reactions to multiple types of alcoholic beverages suggests a consistent trigger.
• Ethanol or its metabolites are hypothesized as the causative allergen, acting as a hapten.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, severe allergic reaction to ethanol or its metabolites.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanism of ethanol-induced anaphylaxis.
• Clinicians should consider alcohol as a potential allergen in patients with unexplained anaphylaxis or urticaria.