Why Do I Sneeze When I Drink Alcohol?

Sulfites are a type of preservative that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. In one 2005 Swedish study, those with asthma, bronchitis and hay fever were more apt to sneeze, get a runny nose or have “lower-airway symptoms” after a drink, especially women. There are few symptoms which need not to be ignored, like, swelling of throat which simply does not allow you to breathe.

In addition to histamine, beer also contains sulfites, which can irritate allergies for some people. Now that you know the causes of stuffy nose on drinking alcohol, you need to be aware of the possible treatment options to get rid of the stuffy nose. Some allergies develop over time and when it comes to alcohol, few things are bound to occur. While talking about the consumption of alcohol, you need to watch out for the gradual development of the nasal infections. Initially, it may not bother much, but eventually the nasal mucus can get thicker, causing more problems.

Red Wine, Beer, And Whiskey: Common Allergens In Alcoholic Drinks

These allergies can be more severe and potentially life-threatening, requiring emergency treatment. Common allergens in beer include histamine, which is produced during fermentation, and sulfites, which are preservatives. While alcohol intolerance itself is not a true allergy, the symptoms may be triggered by an allergic reaction to ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as chemicals, grains, or preservatives.

Tannins are more abundant in red wines but can also be present in white wines too. We all know wine comes with its fair share of effects, some desirable and others less so! Now, I find myself experiencing the same reaction, so let’s explore why it happens and what you can do about it. A few alcohols are less likely to trigger symptoms in people with alcohol intolerance.

What Does it Mean If I Have Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol?

Histamine intolerance can be managed by taking antihistamines, which help the body process the excess histamine. However, it is important to choose non-drowsy antihistamines, especially if planning to continue daily activities. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from further alcohol consumption for the day to prevent exacerbating symptoms. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), a commonly used antihistamine, should be avoided due to its sedative effects, which can increase drowsiness and impair cognitive functions when combined with alcohol. No, alcohol-induced sneezing and alcohol flush reaction are two distinct phenomena. Alcohol flush reaction refers to facial flushing and other uncomfortable symptoms experienced by individuals who have difficulty metabolizing alcohol.

• Red wines typically have higher histamine content than other alcoholic beverages, but beer also contains histamines that can affect susceptible individuals.
• If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can try taking an antihistamine before drinking beer.
• Tannins are more abundant in red wines but can also be present in white wines too.
• Some allergies develop over time and when it comes to alcohol, few things are bound to occur.
• Sulfites can cause a range of dermatological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular symptoms.

Allergy to Specific Ingredients

But even with our guide on how to get rid of a hangover, you may want to dig deeper beyond the simple remedies and solutions to determine whether there is a real cause for concern here. Of course, digestive trouble is a leading symptom of many health conditions, so you’ll want to consult your doc before diagnosing yourself with, say, sneezing when drunk a tequila allergy. But, if it happens after drinking, without any other weird lifestyle or dietary changes, there’s a high probability that the symptoms are linked to those wine spritzers. You’ll have those same symptoms and a more intense reaction, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, low blood pressure, and heart palpitations, he says.

Beer And Sneezing: Is There A Connection?

• One is that alcohol dilates blood vessels in the nose, which can cause irritation and lead to sneezing.
• While true beer allergies are rare, it is possible to be allergic to one of these ingredients.
• Sulphites are often added to wine as preservatives to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation, but they can also be created naturally during the process of winemaking.
• If drinking from a glass makes you sneeze, try drinking through a straw instead.
• These symptoms can occur almost immediately after consuming beer and should be considered severe and potentially life-threatening.
• In this article, we’ll explore why drinking alcohol commonly leads to a stuffed up nose for so many people.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking. If you have ever experienced swelling of the tongue or throat, or trouble breathing after drinking beer, it is advised to stop drinking beer until you have seen a doctor. The condition is caused by inheriting a gene that affects how alcohol is broken down by the body. The most common cause is ALDH2 deficiency, which results in decreased levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde. People with this deficiency metabolize acetaldehyde slowly, leading to its buildup.

Can alcohol-induced sneezing be a temporary reaction?

This will reduce the alcohol in the drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Wine contains proteins from grapes, bacteria, and yeast, as well as sulfites and other organic compounds. Other studies have found that egg whites and gelatin are often used in the filtration processing of wine.

After just a few “tiny sips,” thinking she will be fine, Brown said she ends up “going down the same dreadful path Jack Daniels led me down.” Dec. 24, 2012— — Kristin Brown loved to drink – perhaps partied a little too much when she was in her 20s, but when she hit her 30s, alcohol suddenly hit her the wrong way. While talking about the breaking down of alcohol in body, there is an enzyme called as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). This enzyme is produced from a gene but when, this gene is absent in the body, there is a lack of enzymes which leads to breaking down of alcohol but in an incomplete way. There is no evidence suggesting that age or gender has a significant influence on alcohol-induced sneezing. If you’ve ever wondered – why does my face get red when I drink – this could be why.