Avoiding problematic ingredients or taking a supplement to reduce acetaldehyde buildup and intolerance symptoms can help prevent nasal congestion from drinking. Additionally, some people may experience swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. Besides wines, fruits like bananas, kiwi, melons, and grapes can also contain sulfites, though in much smaller amounts. In some cases, symptoms may be the result of an underlying condition that can be managed with proper medical treatment. For example, a person with histamine intolerance can experience adverse reactions when drinking alcohol because their body is unable to process the histamine in certain types of drinks. In this case, avoiding these types of drinks and/or medications that contain histamine can help reduce the symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: What Does Detoxing Feel Like? A Timeline

  • If you drink alcohol while taking these medications, you can experience alcohol intolerance.
  • Whatever the source, sneezing after drinking beer is a phenomenon that many people have experienced.
  • In short, there’s no way to prevent or avoid alcohol intolerance.
  • While the risk is low, those who experience such reactions should reduce or avoid alcohol and sulfite-containing foods altogether.
  • 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.

Alcohol intolerance means it’s difficult for your body to break down (metabolize) alcohol. This allows toxins to build up, resulting in facial flushing and other alcohol intolerance symptoms. Although not a true allergy, in some cases, what seems to be alcohol intolerance might be your reaction to something in an alcoholic beverage — such as chemicals, grains or preservatives. Combining alcohol with certain medications also can cause reactions.

why do i sneeze when drinking alcohol

Sulfites intolerance

Read the ingredient lists of foods and drinks, ask restaurant staff for information about menu items, and avoid products that contain alcohol. While just about anything can trigger an allergic reaction, some things (like a bee sting, peanuts, and certain foods) are more likely to trigger allergic reactions than others. 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. Taking Pepcid before drinking is a popular strategy for preventing the alcohol flush reaction.

Risk factors to consider

why do i sneeze when drinking alcohol

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. In most cases, alcohol-induced sneezing is harmless and not indicative of an underlying medical condition. However, if you consistently experience severe sneezing or other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. When you take a sip of alcohol, your body triggers a reaction in which your blood vessels widen and blood flow increases.

8 Signs You Might Be Allergic to Alcohol – Shape Magazine

8 Signs You Might Be Allergic to Alcohol.

Posted: Sat, 11 May 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

When To Call the Doctor

Additionally, adding foods with anti-inflammatory properties to your diet can help reduce any irritation caused by red wine consumption. 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. In conclusion, if you find yourself sneezing when you drink alcohol, know that you are not alone.

It turns alcohol into acetic acid, a main component of vinegar, in your liver. But there aren’t any tests for sulfite or histamine sensitivity. Aldehyde is toxic, and buildup is one of the key reasons people develop symptoms of a hangover. ALDH turns aldehyde into acetic acid, a nontoxic substance that doesn’t cause any harm.

  • Besides, maybe your sneezes are just nature’s way of making sure you don’t have too much fun ;).
  • An alcohol allergy can occur when a person with an alcohol allergy comes into contact with alcohol, which is also known as ethanol.
  • So, people are typically born with a tendency for alcohol intolerance, which also runs in groups of people who are more closely genetically related.
  • It is best for people who have gluten intolerance to avoid beer, unless it is gluten-free.

A person with severe allergies should carry one with them at all times, in case of a serious allergic reaction. Depending on whether a person has an alcohol allergy or intolerance, why do i sneeze when drinking alcohol they may need to avoid alcohol entirely. Occasionally, a doctor may ask a person to consume alcohol in a medical setting and observe any reactions or symptoms.

why do i sneeze when drinking alcohol

How To Prevent and Treat Alcohol Intolerance

Other tests

  • People with alcohol intolerance may also experience nasal congestion after drinking alcohol.
  • If they do not have an epinephrine injection to treat anaphylaxis right away, it could be fatal.
  • If you develop any signs of a severe reaction, you should receive one or more doses of epinephrine.
  • Then go to your nearest emergency department for follow-up care.