Asian glow is a common reaction to alcohol consumption that causes the face to flush and turn red. It is most common in people of East Asian descent, but can also occur in people of other ethnicities. Asian glow is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which is responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism. The accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body leads to the symptoms of Asian glow, which can include facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
There is no cure for Asian glow, but there are a number of things that can be done to reduce the symptoms. These include: