[Food allergy in the chronic alcoholic and alcohol in food allergy: apropos of 38 cases].

Exacerbation or appearance of hypersensitivity of food origin in chronic alcoholics appears to be linked to a basis of catabolism of histamine, a facilitation of penetration of allergens under the impetus of the mucosa-irritating power of alcohol and its potential as a histamine-liberator; it results frequently in an elevated total IgE that predisposes to conflictual sub-cutaneous mechanisms, so explaining the easy appearance or exacerbation of food allergies. We have used skin tests of the principal food allergens to evaluate the influence of alcohol in the development of allergies, by determining the allergy profile of each patient and consequently, the titres of total IgE. Our results show the potentiating role in the physiopathology of allergy and food intolerance without which it helps as much by an evident inducing role in the appearance of true food allergy.