How is alcohol intolerance diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you about the symptoms and reactions that occur after you drink alcohol.

You may also have a test for alcohol intolerance called an ethanol patch test. During this test, your provider:

  1. Places a drop of ethanol on a gauze pad and tapes it to your arm.
  2. Waits about seven minutes.
  3. Removes the gauze and checks for signs of redness, itching or swelling.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2020.

References

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