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Alcohol Is Not Appropriate For All

Posting Date: 11/21/2005

Q. My father came from China. He couldn?t handle alcohol, and I?ve inherited this trait. I experience reddish skin, elevated heart rate and bloodshot eyes after only a small amount of alcohol, such as half a beer.

The research I?ve done suggests I may be deficient in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol. Is there anything that will allow me to have a few drinks socially without being embarrassed or asked "what's the matter with you?"

A. We checked with Fulton Crews, PhD, Director of the Center for Alcohol Studies at the School of Medicine of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He pointed out that humans have genetically-determined variations in the enzymes that metabolize alcohol. Many Asians have a variant that increases acetaldehyde in the bloodstream. This causes flushing and other symptoms.

Dr. Crews says such a variant serves as a natural protection from alcoholism. There is nothing you can take to reduce this reaction, so he suggests you stick to non-alcoholic beverages.

Q. I have Raynaud?s syndrome. When I get cold, my fingers turn white, then turn blue and then go red. When they turn white it feels like I?ve been out in the snow for hours.

This has been going on for over a year now. I first noticed my fingers swelling so my rings didn?t fit. Then when I got cold they would turn blue.

My doctor told me to move to a warmer climate. That?s impractical. Winter is coming and I hope you have some advice.

A. People with Raynaud?s may experience tingling, numbness or even pain in fingers and toes as their digits turn pale. Spasms in small blood vessels are thought to precipitate an attack, especially in response to cold.

Staying warm is the usual recommendation for Raynaud?s, but as you point out, that?s not always practical. Doctors sometimes prescribe blood pressure medicines like prazosin or nifedipine. Pentoxifylline may also improve circulation.