Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Nasal Congestion? HowStuffWorks

If you react to the tannins in red wine, then you might find it easier on your system to choose white and sparkling wines. Some people are super sensitive to all wines and get on better with another low-tannin alcohol such as gin, vodka, rum, or tequila. One study found that, six months after participating in Dry January, 40 percent of participants reported drinking less often and having fewer drinks, whereas 10 percent reported the opposite. The key, according to Seija, is not to do Dry January just to go binge drinking on February 1 but to perhaps find a new drinking pattern that feels comfortable and sustainable. We may never know for sure but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a glass of vino every now and then. If you suffer from this perplexing phenomenon, just remember that you’re not alone – and there are worse things in life!

Sulfites in beer

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming wine, it could be because you are allergic to one or more components found in the beverage. The most common allergens found in wine include histamine and sulfites, but some people may also have an allergic reaction to the grapes used to make the wine, yeast, and other additives. It’s important to be aware of this potential reaction before drinking white wine, as it could lead to an unpleasant experience. While some drinkers may never experience any irritation from white wine, others may find that it triggers a sneezing reaction.

Allergy to Specific Ingredients

Alcohol-related allergic reactions are not limited to alcohol itself but can also be induced by additives, preservatives, and other ingredients in alcoholic beverages. If you suffer from alcohol intolerance, you’ll experience facial flushing, nasal congestion and other symptoms that might include rash, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and headaches. A true alcohol allergy causes far more serious symptoms and may trigger an anaphylactic reaction – a medical emergency that can cause rapid or weak pulse, fainting, shock, coma and even death. 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. 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.

Why drinking alcohol will make your hay fever worse – Cosmopolitan UK

• Heavy drinking can also cause problems well beyond the health of the drinker — it can damage important relationships.
• The dilation then extends to blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your nose.
• Those who notice an increase in their asthma symptoms after drinking alcoholic beverages, especially wine, might be reacting to potassium metabisulfite, a common preservative.
• Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition that involves a series of symptoms, such as a rash, low pulse, and shock.
• Botrytis cinerea is a mold that causes noble rot in wine, which can also cause reactions in some people.
• Either way, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re out enjoying some beers with friends.

Researchers believe that this could be due to the sulfites used in producing white wine, as well as the histamines found in white grapes. Some people may be sensitive to other compounds in the beverage and will need allergy testing to determine what they are allergic to. Furthermore, it is important for anyone who suspects an allergy to red wine, to speak with their doctor to determine the cause and get an official diagnosis. Allergy testing is a safe and effective way to diagnose allergies and can provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Alcohol intolerance is a condition characterized by unpleasant reactions after drinking alcohol, such as an upset stomach, facial flushing, headaches and nausea. It is usually caused by genetic variations in the ALDH2 gene, which produces the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol.

Alcohol Allergy vs. Alcohol Intolerance

This reaction will happen whatever alcohol you consume, whether it is drunk or added to main courses or puddings. Tannins are natural compounds found in many plants, including the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes. These are what give wine its bitterness, mouthfeel, and complex flavours, as they seep into the wine during the winemaking process. Tannins are more abundant in red wines but can also be present in white wines too.

They will be able to provide the best advice for treating any underlying medical condition. Wine and other alcoholic beverages are generally not considered as potential allergens, so if you think you may have an allergy to wine, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. During the skin prick test, drops of wine are placed on the back of your forearm and the skin is pricked through the liquid. If you experience a localized reaction, such as redness or hives, then it can be concluded that an allergy to wine exists. Blood tests are also used to measure the presence of specific antibodies in your blood that may indicate an allergic reaction to wine.

When eating out, they should make a point of asking about ingredients to make sure they do not contain alcohol, because even a small amount can cause a reaction. No, alcohol-induced sneezing is a peculiar reaction that only affects a small percentage of individuals. A beer allergy is likely caused by an allergy to a specific ingredient in beer, such as grains, colorings, flavorings, or preservatives. Another theory suggests that alcohol may stimulate the trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as chewing. When this nerve is activated, it can cause a reflexive response like sneezing in some individuals. If sneezing impacts your quality of life, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce or eliminate the problem.

• It may be due to an allergy to various ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as grains, wheat, barley, hops, sulfites and yeast.
• Wine, specifically red wine, can worsen allergy symptoms due to the presence of sulfites, which can trigger asthma and other allergic reactions in some people.
• When this nerve is activated, it can cause a reflexive response like sneezing in some individuals.
• People who are histamine intolerant can develop symptoms such as sneezing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches after drinking alcohol.
• To avoid this situation, it is important to drink wines with a flavor that does not cause an allergic reaction in the body.
• Predictably, the alcoholic beverage industry opposes more restrictive guidelines.

Preservatives and other additives in beer, such as sodium benzoate or tartrazine, can also cause sensitivities or allergies. Researchers estimate that 8% of the world’s population has a defective ALDH2 gene. People of Korean, Japanese, or Chinese descent are more prone to this genetic defect than people of other ethnicities. Quercetin is a plant pigment that has been can alcohol cause sneezing shown to cause sneezing in some people. People can also have an oral allergy syndrome — a reaction to fresh fruit and vegetables that may be used as a garnish or a mixer in a cocktail, according to Bassett. Hazelnut or almond in liquor can also be a problem for those with an allergy to nuts.

Sneezing after drinking beer can be caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol intolerance, allergies, or sensitivity to specific ingredients in beer. Alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition where the body struggles to break down alcohol efficiently, leading to symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose. Allergies to ingredients in beer, such as grains, preservatives, or histamines, can also trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing. Additionally, sensitivity to specific ingredients in beer, such as wheat or barley, may be the culprit. Understanding the underlying cause of sneezing after drinking beer can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. We rarely think of alcohol as having much to do with allergies; the usual offenders – pollen, pet dander, dust mites, environmental pollutants – get the lion’s share of negative press.