She has tried different types of alcohol — vodka, whiskey or tequila — but she breaks out in hives and a fever. 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.” The good news is, simple wine sneezes are nothing to be concerned about if the symptoms are mild. We use a pharmacist-formulated blend of Glutathione, Dihydromyricetin, Cysteine, L-Theanine, & B Vitamins to stop alcohol flushing before it can begin. But if you think your wine is contaminated by mould, it is best to discard it as it can be worse for you than just sneezing. If you see mould on the ouside of the cork, that does not necessarily mean the wine is contaminated.
Additionally, the preservatives used in alcohol too can be harsh on your stomach, increasing the chances of allergic reactions causing stuffy nose or sinus congestion. An alcohol intolerance, or ingredients like histamines in alcohol cause an allergy-like reaction in drinkers, swelling the the mucosal membranes in the nasal passages and airways. Avoiding problematic ingredients or taking a supplement to reduce acetaldehyde buildup and intolerance symptoms can help prevent nasal congestion from drinking. For instance, some individuals may be sensitive to the sulfites present in wine or the hops in beer, resulting in an allergic reaction and subsequent sneezing.
These symptoms can occur almost immediately after ingesting beer and should be treated as severe and potentially life-threatening. Histamine intolerance occurs when an individual has too much histamine in their body. It is not a sensitivity to histamine but rather an indication that the person has accumulated an excessive amount. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can include sneezing, hives, headaches, nausea, and digestive issues—similar to a common allergic response. While most people don’t have a problem with sulphites, those who are sensitive to them might experience allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing, after drinking wine with them.
You might be sensitive to sulphites if you also react to mustard and dried fruits like dried apple rings, dried pears, apricots, raisins, prunes, and figs. Not that there are any scientific studies on the number of people who are affected, but, if you get the “beer sneezes” after you have had a beer (or, more than one beer), you are not alone. The online discussions on this phenomenon range from catching a closet drinker in the act to a life-threatening allergy situation (please, carry an epi-pen in this case). Some say it is more about the type of beer (too many hops) than a reaction to the alcohol in beer. If you’re concerned that you have an allergy, your GP will be able to help.
Histamines are chemicals produced by the human immune system and are found in nearly all tissues of the body. While the body naturally produces histamine, we also consume it through food and drinks that are rich in histamines, including cheese, wine, meats, fish, and fermented foods. An alcohol intolerance is commonly mistaken for an alcohol allergy and is often misdiagnosed. If your body is unable to remove acetaldehyde from the body, symptoms like congestion, flushing, headaches, and more can persist. Few things can be more frustrating than enjoying a drink with friends only to be interrupted by incessant sneezing. Alcohol-induced sneezing is a peculiar phenomenon that affects a small percentage of individuals.
What causes the sneezing reflex after consuming alcohol?
“This includes looking at ingredient/content labels of food and drink,” explains the nurse. “If you are wanting to avoid alcohol, also be cautious of foods that may have alcohol added, for example in a marinade or sauce.” Some people with asthma find that their breathing is affected when they drink alcohol. The nurse explains that this is due to the presence of sulphites, which preserve many alcoholic drinks. “For some people with sensitive airways, such as asthmatics, consuming sulphites in alcohol may cause wheezing,” she explains.
Ingredients in Alcoholic Beverages That Can Cause a Stuffy Nose After Drinking
“Reactions to alcohol are unlikely to be caused by a ‘true’ allergy,” explains Holly Shaw, Nurse Advisor at Allergy UK. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance usually occur immediately after drinking alcohol and can be intense. One of the primary symptoms is facial flushing, where the face quickly turns red and may feel warm due to increased blood flow. 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.
But not many people realize that there are many ingredients, additives, and preservatives within alcoholic beverages that can cause negative side effects. In some people, these reactions look like allergy symptoms even though they don’t have a true allergy to alcohol. When you take a sip of alcohol, your body triggers a reaction in which your blood vessels widen and blood flow increases. As a result, the nerve endings in your nasal passages become more sensitive. This increased sensitivity can lead to a sneeze reflex being triggered, causing you to sneeze. If you are wondering why the nose gets stuffy on drinking alcohol, you have reached the right place.
Why Do I Experience Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol?
This genetic condition means that you experience negative symptoms when drinking alcohol because your body is unable to process it properly. Because the body can’t break down alcohol, it’s toxic byproducts flood the system and accumulate with each drink you have. In conclusion, the exact reasons behind why some people sneeze after drinking alcohol are not definitively known. The most commonly proposed explanations include congestion, allergies, nerve stimulation, and genetic factors. If this phenomenon causes significant distress or worsens over time, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues. As with why do i sneeze when i drink alcohols, this issue comes down to a depletion of enzymes — in this case, enzymes that are required to metabolize alcohol in the liver.
Is alcohol-induced sneezing similar to alcohol flush reaction?
- “For some people with sensitive airways, such as asthmatics, consuming sulphites in alcohol may cause wheezing,” she explains.
- They are also added to beer as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria that can turn the alcohol to vinegar.
- If you are wondering why the nose gets stuffy on drinking alcohol, you have reached the right place.
- Barry loves experimenting with flavors, and he’s always coming up with innovative cocktail recipes.
- There is no surefire way to prevent alcohol-induced sneezing, but individuals can try to minimize exposure to triggers such as allergens, intense temperature changes, or known sensitivities.
- You should not, however, rely on your sneezes to indicate whether or not you are safe to drive home, no matter how sure you are of the accuracy of your body’s own “ignition interlock” device.
There is no surefire way to prevent alcohol-induced sneezing, but individuals can try to minimize exposure to triggers such as allergens, intense temperature changes, or known sensitivities. The temperature of the alcohol itself is not a significant factor in inducing sneezing. However, if an individual is sensitive to temperature changes in their nasal passages, it may contribute to sneezing.
Causes of Stuffy Nose on Drinking Alcohol
While alcohol content does not directly cause sneezing, it can contribute to nasal congestion or irritation, potentially triggering sneezing in some individuals. If you’re frequently sneezing after drinking, you must see a doctor as there may be an underlying condition that needs to be treated. Spirits such as vodka and gin can also cause sneezing due to the presence of histamines. In addition, some people find that the alcohol in these drinks irritates their nose, leading to sneezing. Although rare, the risks of holding in a sneeze might include a rupture of an aneurysm, ear infection, neck pain, and rib fractures. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow to prevent germs from spreading.
While this may sound like an allergic reaction, these types of reactions to wine or beer actually have more to do with your immune system. For example, red wine contains a much higher percentage of histamines when compared to white varieties, so choose wisely if wine sneezes are known to put a damper on your evening. If you find that certain foods make you sneeze, such as strawberries or shellfish, try avoiding them before you drink. This will help to reduce the number of histamines in your system and make it less likely that they’ll trigger a sneeze. If you find that certain drinks trigger your sneezing, try switching to a different type of alcohol.
Can the temperature of the alcohol affect sneezing?
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.
Theories Behind Alcohol-Induced Sneezing
To avoid adverse reactions, sensitive individuals should reduce their exposure to sulfites. 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 sneezing when drunk seen a doctor.
Less commonly, holding in a sneeze can also cause a rupture of a brain aneurysm or rib fractures. You should not, however, rely on your sneezes to indicate whether or not you are safe to drive home, no matter how sure you are of the accuracy of your body’s own “ignition interlock” device. Those “beer sneezes” do not mean you are officially drunk any more than the lack of sneezes mean you are okay to drive. There are few symptoms which need not to be ignored, like, swelling of throat which simply does not allow you to breathe. When such a situation occurs, you need to seek immediate medical help to get healed in a due time. Watch out for other signs like fever, gastric upset or dizziness, in which case you need medical help.
Research shows that around 8% of people experience symptoms like nasal congestion, flushed skin, or even headaches while drinking wine. If any of this sounds familiar to you, you might be sensitive to one of wine’s many components. The good news is that once you identify the triggers, there are ways to reduce or even prevent these reactions, without having to ditch wine altogether. This will help to soothe the mucous membranes in your nose and prevent them from swelling and triggering a sneeze. In addition, beer is often brewed with hops, comprising a compound called lupulin. When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream and quickly travels to your brain.