Alcohol Allergies: Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment for Reactions

What’s more concerning, however, is that some medications can lead to uncomfortable (even dangerous) side effects when combined with alcohol. In addition, various why do i sneeze when i drink wine ingredients found in alcoholic beverages have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in some people. The bad news is that you can’t really do much about it, or that unwelcome nasal congestion that comes along with it, aside from just not drinking alcohol. 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.

Histamines

On the surface, facial flushing might feel cosmetically embarrassing at most and may not come with any other dangerous symptoms. That runny or stuffy nose you get if you’re intolerant to alcohol may feel and seem like allergies, but it’s not. As we now know, alcohol intolerance is an issue with metabolizing alcohol — not an overzealous immune system. In addition to histamine, sulfites can be found in wine and beer, which may also irritate allergies for some people.

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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. For those with Red Wine Allergies, the symptoms can be quite unpleasant and may last for several hours. However, to eliminate them completely, it is necessary to avoid consuming red wine altogether. Tannins are astringent compounds that contribute to the bitter taste and aroma of wines. When these compounds come into contact with the nasal passages, they can create an irritation sensation which leads to a reflexive sneeze response.

Do you sneeze when you sip that fine red wine? Wine allergy?

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. For many people, more than 2 ounces of alcohol can lead to triggering allergies which is also termed as alcohol allergy. This can again make your nose get stuffy when you drink alcohol with some complaints, which may need medical treatment. You may get stuffy nose owing to the presence of some preservatives in alcohol. Many times, some allergic reactions can make you more sensitive towards alcohol intake.

• Sunset works with the body to break down alcohol quickly and effectively, so you don’t experience the negative symptoms.
• On the surface, facial flushing might feel cosmetically embarrassing at most and may not come with any other dangerous symptoms.
• While there are no specific home remedies for alcohol-induced sneezing, individuals may find relief by using saline nasal sprays or performing nasal irrigation to soothe nasal passages.
• Spirits such as vodka and gin can also cause sneezing due to the presence of histamines.
• If you’ve ever wondered – why does my face get red when I drink – this could be why.
• Wine contains proteins from grapes, bacteria, and yeast, as well as sulfites and other organic compounds.
• Symptoms of an alcohol intolerance include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hives, facial flushing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing.

Why Do I Experience Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol?

In this case, avoiding these types of drinks and/or medications that contain histamine can help reduce the symptoms. Red wines, for example, tend to have higher levels of histamines than white wine or beer. If you find that drinking these beverages triggers an allergic reaction, then it’s important to limit your intake and switch to lower-histamine alternatives. Another helpful tip is to opt for histamine-low foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, or fermented products like yogurt or kefir. These foods can help your body break down the histamines more effectively, reducing the potential for an allergic reaction. Dilated blood vessels can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.

What You Can Do To Prevent Sneezing When You Drink

• 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.
• When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream and quickly travels to your brain.
• The symptoms are similar to those caused by histamine intolerance and can easily be confused with allergy-like symptoms.
• While the risk is low, those who experience such reactions should reduce or avoid alcohol and sulfite-containing foods altogether.
• Now, I find myself experiencing the same reaction, so let’s explore why it happens and what you can do about it.
• Taking smaller sips can help reduce the amount of carbonation your nose is exposed to.

In this article, we’ll explore why drinking alcohol commonly leads to a stuffed up nose for so many people. More importantly, you’ll discover actionable ways to stop alcohol from inflaming nasal passages so you can avoid the dreaded stuffy nose hangover. Whether you only have the occasional glass of wine at dinner or frequently enjoy late nights out, you’re sure to learn valuable tips to nip post-drinking nasal congestion in the bud.

Final Thoughts on Why You Get a Stuffy Nose After Drinking

However, if an individual is sensitive to temperature changes in their nasal passages, it may contribute to sneezing. If you find that straight spirits make you sneeze, try diluting them with water or soda before you drink them. This will reduce the alcohol in the drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze. The most likely explanation is that alcohol dilates blood vessels in the nose, which can cause irritation and lead to sneezing. Another possibility is that alcohol irritates the mucous membranes in the nose, causing them to swell and lead to sneezing.