Why Do I Sneeze When I Drink Alcohol?

Although this is rare, it can be life-threatening and require emergency care. When we think about alcohol tolerance, we often think of the number of drinks a person can handle before getting giggly or slurring words. But, if your nose is all stuffed up or runny after just a few sips of wine, this process probably isn’t proceeding as smoothly for you as it does for other people. You had a long week, and you opened that bottle of wine to help you relax — but instead you wound up with a stuffy nose you now have to deal with. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but those who do get congested after a glass or two know just how much of a buzzkill it can be. Read beverage labels to see whether they contain ingredients or additives you know cause a reaction, such as sulfites or certain grains.

While drinking wine to unwind is a common pastime for many, those who suffer from allergies can quickly develop a sneezing fit as a result. While histamines are commonly blamed, the cause of this problem is more complicated. Histamines may be annoying as a byproduct of an allergic reaction, but the chemicals found in wine are responsible for sneezing, itching, and other symptoms.

Alcohol Allergies

In the context of wine, a distinction can be made between immunologically mediated wine allergy and wine intolerance. In the latter, no allergen-specific immunologic mechanisms that would trigger the reaction can be detected. Patients with hypersensitivity reactions to white or red wine always assume to be suffering from an “allergy” (Figure 2). Yes, a small number of people suffer from sulfite intolerance, but these are not the symptoms most people complain about when they say they are intolerant to wine. Instead, those who suffer from sulfite intolerance experience symptoms similar to asthma and allergic rhinitis (sneezing, itchiness, blocked or runny nose).

Additionally, dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can also contribute to sinus congestion. It is essential to recognize when one has an alcohol intolerance, as this can be a serious health concern. Symptoms of an alcohol intolerance include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hives, facial flushing, chest why do i sneeze when i drink alcohol tightness or difficulty breathing. If someone experiences these symptoms after consuming even small amounts of alcohol it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If they suspect you have a true allergy to alcohol or another ingredient in alcoholic beverages, they will likely conduct allergy testing.

Sipping Sinusitis: The Impact Of Alcohol And Wine On Sinuses

It may be due to an allergy to various ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as grains, wheat, barley, hops, sulfites and yeast. There are also signs that the body is reacting negatively to alcohol itself; symptoms such as headaches, nausea, stomach pains and dizziness which occur when consuming alcohol. Additionally, alcohol can cause a histamine reaction, triggered by the body’s immune system when it comes into contact with the allergen. Alcohol consumption can lead to a stuffy nose due to the effect it has on your body. Alcohol is metabolized by enzymes in your liver, which convert ethanol into acetaldehyde.