Beer "Allergy"???

[hautlynk]

I drank lots of beer until about 5 or 6 years ago. I drank it and I nearly doubled over in pain. It seems I had a reaction to it that causes me to, for lack of a better description, feel like I really need to burp, but can't. There is a terrible pressure at the bottom of my sternum, like I said, enough to double me over. It seemed at first like there was some type of obstruction, so I drank more beer to try to clear it, I pressed my chest into the arm of a sofa, still nothing. Of course the next time I drank beer, same reaction, and ever since. My wife has the occasional beer, keeps it in the fridge all the time, and I long for it. I have several times just taken a swig, sloshed it around and my mouth, and spit it out in the sink/yard etc just to get a taste of it (believe it or not it is relatively refreshing). When I do that I most likely swallow less than 1/4 oz - it is impossible not to swallow a tiny bit, and I have reacted to that tiny amount. The reaction is less than what it was when I was trying to drink it down, the reaction is generally in line with the amount that I drink.
I have taken several obvious steps to counter this problem:
1. I now drink only whisky
2. I have taken several OTC medications including an anti-gas medication, anti heartburn (zantac), and benadryl, all well prior to drinking and all to no effect.

Can anyone shed some light on this issue?

Is there a "magic pill" out there that I can take, is there a diagnosis you are aware of? I have asked numerous physicians and they have recommended avoidance - duh - while stating that they have no idea of the cause or a treatment.
Thanks

[HarkJohnny]

I think this was discussed here previously and Celiac Disease was mentioned. People with Celiac can't digest wheat or grains of some sort as I understand it. i'm sure a search on google would get you plenty of info to determine if that's what it is.

[Steve16823]

Can you consume other carbonated beverages without problems? Soda or Champagne?

[wortchillergoal]

Another possiblilty is a ,forgive spelling, hyerital herina. The symptons can be the same and for some different foods or liqiuds can be a trigger.

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by wortchillergoal
Another possiblilty is a ,forgive spelling, hyerital herina. The symptons can be the same and for some different foods or liqiuds can be a trigger.

My advice is to check in with your doctor on this one. It does not sound like either the hiatal hernia or celiac (a reaction to gluten). Now there is something called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease that can be mistaken for the hernia but is not.

Anyway, check with the doc's to be sure on this.

[the4th]

If I had that reaction to beer, I would have gone to the ER and made them fix me right then and there.

Dude! Get to the doctor right away. This is a life without beer we're talking about!