喝酒脸红背后的健康隐患

VOA News

A wine-tasting near Beijing, China

Finally, a listener in Taiwan wrote to ask why his face turns red when he drinks alcohol. This effect called facial flushing is a common reaction to alcohol among East Asians. It affects an estimated thirty-six percent of Japanese, Chinese and Koreans.

For many people, even a little alcohol can cause unpleasant effects. Most commonly, their face, neck and sometimes their whole body turns red. People might also feel sick to their stomach and lightheaded. They might experience a burning sensation, increased heart rate, shortness of breath and headaches.

The cause is a genetic difference that some people are born with. It prevents their bodies from processing alcohol the way other people do. But the effects might be more serious than just a red face. Researchers have warned of a link between this condition and an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus from drinking alcohol.

A report about facial flushing appeared recently in PLoS Medicine, a publication of the Public Library of Science. The report says the more alcohol that persons with this deficiency drink, the greater their risk. It estimates that at least five hundred forty million people have the deficiency.

Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It can be treated when found early. But once it grows the chances of survival drop sharply.

Philip Brooks is a researcher at America's National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Doctor Brooks says it is important to educate people about the link between the alcohol flushing effect and esophageal cancer. He says doctors should ask East Asian patients about their experiences with facial flushing after drinking alcohol. Those with a history of it should be advised to limit their alcohol use. They should also be warned that cigarette smoking works with the alcohol in a way that further increases the risk of esophageal cancer.