Asian Flush Syndrome: Do You Have It? And What Can You Do About It

Simply put, Asian flush syndrome is a condition where your face will turn a red tint when you drink alcohol. It has become popular because of the embarrassing attention you receive when you have it.

This condition sometimes referred to as “Asian Flush” or “Asian Glow” or “Alcohol Flush Reaction”. The reason for the reference to Asians is because studies have concluded that approximately 50% of persons of East Asian descent (ie, most commonly Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese or Korean) have this condition. This can be somewhat misleading because any person can experience this reaction, regardless of their ethnicity. Basically, this condition weakens the sufferer’s ability to process alcohol.

Why is this getting so much attention?

When people start to drink as a young adult, it’s usually their first experience with drinking socially. This usually means friends getting together and drinking in excess. For most people taking their first drinks, they are looking for an escape; to loosen up; have a good time. The more you drink; the happier you get. Well, for some of these first time drinkers who have the Asian flush, they get a little more than bargain for.

If you have the Asian flush syndrome, your tolerance to metabolize alcohol is non-existent. As a result, you may start to develop symptoms of Asian flush right away after a drink or two. This usually means red flushing to the face, shoulders and neck, swelling, blotching, itching, headaches, dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting.

You may experience a few of these symptoms, maybe most, maybe just the red flushing to the face. Not all sufferers will experience the same symptoms. Everybody will experience something different, depending on how severe your condition is.

First off, you should realize after feeling these symptoms, this isn’t as fun as you thought it would be. Most definitely, if you drink more, you will feel worse. No question. And believe me, it’s not because you are drunk. Your body is not equipped to handle the alcohol. Accept it.

So, is there anything you can do about it?

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that will treat this condition. There is not a lot of research money to help poor young Asians with their ability to drink more alcohol. In fact, this disorder is actually helping society by curbing the number of future alcoholics. How ironic, huh?

But seriously, there are some methods to preventing and treating the symptoms of Asian flush. Some involve some over the counter drugs, and there other methods that offer advice on how to control it. Bottom line, it is still possible to continue drinking even though you have Asian flush. So don’t give up.

On a personal note, I have the Asian flush syndrome, and I continue to drink socially from time to time. I don’t believe I am risking my health because I control it. It can be done.

Asian Flush Syndrome: Do You Have It? And What Can You Do About It