Sneezing When You Drink Wine? 5 Common Culprits and How to Avoid Them

Studies show that red and white wine are more likely to create nasal congestion symptoms, so avoiding this type of alcohol may help. As the exact cause of alcohol-induced sneezing is not fully understood, there is no foolproof way to prevent it. One possible reason for sneezing after drinking alcohol is a phenomenon known as gustatory rhinitis.

You’ll have those same symptoms and a more intense reaction, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, low blood pressure, and heart palpitations, he says. If people experience symptoms after drinking alcohol, they should speak with a doctor for further advice. Symptoms of a wine allergy include rashes, nasal congestion, wheezing or a tingling sensation around the mouth and throat. Sunset Alcohol Flush Support is a natural supplement that works specifically to reduce all of these symptoms, including a stuffy nose after drinking alcohol. Sunset works with the body to break down alcohol quickly and effectively, so you don’t experience the negative symptoms. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance usually occur immediately after drinking alcohol and can be intense.

Alcohol flush reaction refers to facial flushing and other uncomfortable symptoms experienced by individuals who have difficulty metabolizing alcohol. However, you can try avoiding specific alcoholic beverages or reducing your alcohol consumption to see if it makes a difference. Yes, individuals with pre-existing allergies or sensitivities to certain substances may be more prone to sneezing after drinking alcohol. A few alcohols are less likely to trigger symptoms in people with alcohol intolerance.

• Because the body can’t break down alcohol, it’s toxic byproducts flood the system and accumulate with each drink you have.
• The build-up of histamines can then trigger the allergy-like symptoms when certain foods or drinks, such as alcohol, are consumed.
• Dr. Adkinson recommends that people who are prone to alcohol-related allergic reactions should avoid consuming these fruits as well as alcoholic beverages containing sulfites.
• We have plenty of reasons on alcohol intolerances, allergies and what to do next.

Individuals may find that certain types of alcohol, such as wine or beer, trigger sneezing more frequently than others. Histamine intolerance can be managed by taking antihistamines, which help the body process the excess histamine. However, it is important to choose non-drowsy antihistamines, especially if planning to continue daily activities.

Can other triggers, such as temperature or emotions, contribute to alcohol-induced sneezing?

If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in a mixed drink, you may want to avoid it. Spirits such as vodka and gin can also cause sneezing due to the presence of histamines. In addition, some people find that the alcohol in these drinks irritates their nose, leading to sneezing. Even those who only deal with nasal congestion from alcohol can benefit from Sunset’s ingredients.

Having sluggish ALDH2 enzymes, or lower levels of it altogether, is ultimately the product of having genetic variation in your ALDH2 gene. Specifically, genetic changes that make your corresponding ALDH2 enzyme bad at its job. What’s more is that this genetic variation can be passed down from parent to child, making alcohol intolerance an inherited condition. But alcohol tolerance is more complicated than just being «a lightweight» or not. In fact, alcohol intolerance is a metabolic disorder that doesn’t have anything to do with how many drinks you can down before your beer goggles switch on. Your body holds on to the nutritive parts of what you eat and drink, but, otherwise, what goes in must also come out.

An Allergic Reaction

Additionally, those with sensitivities can opt for organic or biodynamic wines that are free from added sulfites. The study found that the effects of sulfites in wine can vary from mild to severe. 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.

As it turns out, understanding your alcohol-induced stuffy nose starts with understanding how your body processes alcohol — or tries to, anyway. Histamines can be found in wine, as they are produced when yeast is used to ferment grapes. For these reasons, it is important for winemakers to be aware of the possible effects that histamines may have on some people. As such, The TTTB has proposed a change to the labeling requirements which will require winemakers to list any ingredients that may contain histamines on the label. 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.

Histamines in beer

Histamine is a compound found in beer, wine, and spirits that can elicit an allergic response. Allergic reactions to beer can manifest as abdominal pain and bloating, chest tightness, hives, wheezing, and chest pain. These symptoms can occur almost immediately after ingesting beer and should be treated as severe and potentially life-threatening. Beer contains many ingredients, including water, malt barley, brewer’s yeast, hops, and assorted flavorings. While true beer allergies are rare, it is possible to be allergic to one of these ingredients.

Does the amount of alcohol consumed affect the likelihood of sneezing?

Filtration of wine is an important process in the production of a good quality beverage. It helps to remove harmful bacteria, unwanted tannins and other impurities from the liquid before it can be consumed. Egg whites and gelatin are two of the most commonly used filtration agents due to their ability to absorb proteins and reduce astringency. The temperature of the alcohol itself is not a significant factor in inducing sneezing. 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.

Responses

In most cases, alcohol-induced sneezing is harmless and not indicative of an underlying medical condition. However, if you consistently experience why do you sneeze when you drink alcohol severe sneezing or other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. If you have ever experienced sneezing after consuming alcohol, you might be wondering why this peculiar phenomenon occurs.

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.

Sulphites are often added to wine as preservatives to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation, but they can also be created naturally during the process of winemaking. According to the UK Food Standards Agency, nearly all wines exceed 10mg/L of sulphur dioxide. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies or asthma, may be more susceptible to alcohol-induced sneezing.

Dr. Adkinson recommends that people who are prone to alcohol-related allergic reactions should avoid consuming these fruits as well as alcoholic beverages containing sulfites. He adds that the chances of having an adverse reaction to those foods or drinks is one out of every hundred. While the risk is low, those who experience such reactions should reduce or avoid alcohol and sulfite-containing foods altogether.

It is important to be aware of any potential allergy symptoms that can occur when consuming alcoholic beverages and speak to a doctor if any reactions occur. Certain medications and foods can also trigger alcohol intolerance, as they can interfere with the body’s ability to process alcohol. To reduce the risk of unpleasant reactions, it is important to be aware of any potential triggers and take steps to avoid them.

Or, maybe you’re sensitive to sulfites or other chemicals in alcoholic beverages, resulting in nausea or headaches. They can help you determine if it is indeed the cause of your unpleasant reactions and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. To reduce the risk of having a reaction, look for labels on alcoholic beverages that indicate lower levels of sulfites or those labeled as “sulfite-free”. In general, red wines typically have higher sulfite concentrations than white wines.