sneezing when drinking alcohol

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. What’s more concerning, however, is that some medications can lead to uncomfortable (even dangerous) side effects when combined with alcohol. In addition, various ingredients found in alcoholic beverages have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Pet Allergies

When this inflammation occurs in the airway, patients can experience wheezing and shortness of breath. If you’re frequently sneezing after drinking, you must see a doctor as there may be an underlying condition that needs to be treated. If drinking from a glass makes you sneeze, try drinking through a straw instead. This will help reduce your nose’s contact with the drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze. This dilation occurs first in the brain, so you may feel flushed or warm after only a few sips of alcohol.

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  • Some people may be more sensitive to the tannins than others, making them more likely to experience this reaction after drinking a glass of red wine.
  • Incomplete absorption of alcohol by the body could be one reason why you get stuffy nose on drinking alcohol.
  • A study assessed the histamine levels in 17 beers, and the results ranged from 21 to 305 micrograms per litre.
  • However, if you have alcohol intolerance, you must talk to your doctor about which alcohols are best for you to drink.
  • Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition in which the body can’t break down alcohol efficiently.
  • When these compounds come into contact with the nasal passages, they can create an irritation sensation which leads to a reflexive sneeze response.
  • It is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms after drinking wine.

These chemicals cause inflammation in the mucous membranes of your nose and sinuses, leading to congestion and a stuffy feeling. This is why you often experience congested breathing after consuming alcohol. Additionally, when you consume alcoholic beverages, your blood vessels widen and cause more blood to flow to the nasal tissues, leading to additional swelling. This is because alcohol can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to allergens.

Why Your Face Gets Beet Red When You Drink

sneezing when drinking alcohol

Predictably, the alcoholic beverage industry opposes more restrictive guidelines. According to experts, that awful feeling after drinking may not always be due to overindulgence—it could be alcohol intolerance or even an allergy. While it is technically true that no level of alcohol is risk-free, neither are many daily activities, from driving to eating bacon. Still, there are some groups for whom going sober might be the best policy, such as those with a family history of addiction, liver disease or cancer, Anton says. Abstinence is also important for people who are pregnant, take medications that interact with alcohol or have certain genetic conditions.

  • Alcohol intolerance is a temporary, but pretty uncomfortable, reaction to alcohol — with nasal congestion and flushed skin being the two most common side effects.
  • Alcohol consumption can lead to a stuffy nose due to the effect it has on your body.
  • For a minor reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines might help reduce symptoms, such as itching or hives.
  • When i drink more than 4 or 5 drinks in an hour and they all settle in, it is almost a guarantee that i will have a sneezing fit.
  • Also, if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or a medication you’re taking, see your doctor.

In addition, some people find that the alcohol in these drinks irritates their nose, leading to sneezing. This condition is more common among individuals of East Asian descent due to a genetic mutation that affects alcohol metabolism. 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. There are few symptoms which need not to be ignored, like, swelling of throat which simply does not allow you to breathe.

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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. If this occurs, it might be best to switch to red wine or to try drinking white wine in moderation.

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Tannins are more abundant in red wines but can also be present in white wines too. In some cases, reactions can be triggered by a true allergy to a grain such as corn, wheat or rye or to another substance in alcoholic beverages. An alcohol allergy is when your body reacts to alcohol as if it’s a harmful intruder and makes antibodies that try to fight it off.

Alcohol intolerance

ADH enzyme variants are sneezing when drinking alcohol another cause of alcohol intolerance, altering the structure and function of aldehyde dehydrogenase. 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. A few alcohols are less likely to trigger symptoms in people with alcohol intolerance.