Why Do I Sneeze When I Drink Alcohol?

Allergy testing can determine if a person is allergic to histamine or other compounds found in red wine. A skin prick test or blood test may be used to detect an allergic reaction to the particular compounds that are present in red wine. If a person is found to be sensitive to red wine, they may need to avoid it altogether or switch to white wine, which contains a lower concentration of histamine. It is important to note that not all allergic reactions to red wine are caused by histamine.

Alcohol Intolerance Can Contribute to Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol

• Grains, such as wheat, barley, and sorghum, are common allergens found in beer.
• If you’re allergic to alcohol, you may experience hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
• Some people may be more sensitive to the histamines in red wine than others, which can lead to inflammation in the nose and sinus cavities.
• You may get stuffy nose owing to the presence of some preservatives in alcohol.
• This will help reduce the number of histamines in your drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze.
• Asthmatics, for example, are at an increased risk of having a reaction to sulfite-containing food.

People with this defect aren’t able to metabolize alcohol as quickly as others, which leads to a buildup of a compound called acetaldehyde that is known to cause skin flushing. sneezing while drinking The third type of headache caused by alcohol is a “Delayed Alcohol-Induced Headache” (“DAIH”). These headaches usually occur hours after a patient has stopped drinking, as their blood alcohol level returns to zero. While the cause of DAIH is unknown, researchers believe they are related to a drop in a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which regulates the body’s central pain control. When serotonin levels drop, pain signals are dysregulated, and people are more likely to experience painful conditions like headaches.

Beer contains sulfites, which can irritate allergies

The most common symptoms reported by those with sulfite sensitivity are nausea, headaches and skin rashes. In extreme cases, symptoms such as difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis have been reported. 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.

• In some people, these reactions look like allergy symptoms even though they don’t have a true allergy to alcohol.
• Most wines don’t state their histamine content on the label, which can make it difficult to know what you’re choosing.
• If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
• If any of this sounds familiar to you, you might be sensitive to one of wine’s many components.
• Sneezing after drinking beer is an interesting phenomenon that has sparked a lot of debate.

Individual Factors and Sensitivities

Avoiding problematic ingredients or taking a supplement to reduce acetaldehyde buildup and intolerance symptoms can help prevent nasal congestion from drinking. 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.

Does alcohol have any other effects on the nasal passages?

It is best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you suspect an alcohol allergy. Alcohol consumption may also stimulate the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. This stimulation could lead to sneezing, particularly in individuals who have a hypersensitive trigeminal nerve. Sulfites have been used as preservatives since Roman times to preserve food flavour and colour, inhibit bacterial growth, and reduce food spoilage.

In either case, the result is less acetaldehyde being broken down into acetate. When people consume alcohol, their body tries to detoxify it by breaking down the compound into its smaller components. This can happen because alcohol dilates blood vessels, making skin appear more flushed. It can also happen in people who have a genetic defect in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene.

An Allergic Reaction

The amount of alcohol consumed does not necessarily correlate with the likelihood of sneezing. The most common of these compounds are sulfites, which are typically highest in beer, brown liquor, and cider. Many people are familiar with common side effects of alcohol, including lowered inhibitions, euphoria (i.e., feeling “tipsy”), decreased coordination, and hangovers. However, alcohol can also have effects with which many people may not be familiar. Even those who only deal with nasal congestion from alcohol can benefit from Sunset’s ingredients. Certain medications, such as antihistamines or nasal spray, can interact with alcohol and potentially increase the chances of sneezing.