Causes of Stuffy Nose on Drinking Alcohol & Ways to Get Rid of it?

Grape is the main allergen found in wine, and it is present in both red and white wines. Botrytis cinerea is a mold that causes noble rot in wine, which can also cause reactions in some people. Other molds, yeasts, proteins, and ingredients used for wine fining can also be allergens. It is important to be aware of these allergens as they may cause reactions in those who are sensitive. Drinking plenty of water, limiting and slowing down alcohol consumption, and eating before drinking can help to reduce the vasodilation effects of alcohol.

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. For instance, those with hay fever or pollen allergies may experience more severe symptoms due to alcohol’s effect on the nasal passages. Similarly, those with weed pollen allergies may notice an increase in symptoms after consuming alcohol. Alcohol can also aggravate symptoms of food allergies and sensitivity to additives.

Sometimes it’s an alcohol allergy, not alcohol intolerance

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, brown liquor, and cider contain the highest levels of sulfites among alcoholic beverages. Sulfites are also found in wine, where they occur naturally as a result of the fermentation process.

• Symptoms of an alcohol intolerance include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hives, facial flushing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
• The sulfur compounds in red wine can irritate your nasal passages, resulting in inflammation and swelling that can lead to sinus issues.
• Each week, you’ll get an amazing recipe, a useful health tip, and an ingredient to jazz up your shopping basket!
• This can exacerbate allergic reactions, making symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and itching more pronounced.
• Additionally, individuals with alcohol intolerance may experience a rapid heartbeat, nasal stuffiness, and congestion.
• We rarely think of alcohol as having much to do with allergies; the usual offenders – pollen, pet dander, dust mites, environmental pollutants – get the lion’s share of negative press.

Is rosacea linked to cancer?

For those with Red Wine Allergies, the symptoms can be quite unpleasant and may last for several hours. In terms of treatment, medications such as antihistamines can help reduce the severity of symptoms in some cases. 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.

Could Having ALDH2 Deficiency Offer Unexpected Heart Protection?

Now that you know the causes of stuffy nose on drinking alcohol, you need to be aware of the possible treatment options to get rid of the stuffy nose. Some allergies develop sneezing when drinking alcohol over time and when it comes to alcohol, few things are bound to occur. While talking about the consumption of alcohol, you need to watch out for the gradual development of the nasal infections. Initially, it may not bother much, but eventually the nasal mucus can get thicker, causing more problems. What’s more concerning, however, is that some medications can lead to uncomfortable (even dangerous) side effects when combined with alcohol. In addition, various ingredients found in alcoholic beverages have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Why Does Wine Cause a Stuffy Nose?

In addition to raisins and dried fruits, sulfates are used as preservatives in some foods, including wines. The presence of sulfites does not always mean the wine is of a lower quality and, in fact, may be used to prevent spoilage. Look for wines with lower histamine levels, usually white wines, organic wines or sparkling wines. Some winemakers do choose to state their histamine content, particularly if it’s low. For example, Italian winemaker Peri Bigogno produces wines with a certified histamine content under 0.5 mg/L. We all know wine comes with its fair share of effects, some desirable and others less so!

White Wine Makes Me Sneeze

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. If you experience any of these reactions after drinking red wine, it could be a sign that you are intolerant or allergic to alcohol. It is important to consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Your doctor may recommend avoiding foods and beverages containing alcohol, taking medication before consuming alcoholic drinks, or other treatments depending on the cause of your symptoms. If your symptoms are caused by sinus problems, you may need to see an allergist or immunologist for tests and treatments. Incomplete absorption of alcohol by the body could be one reason why you get stuffy nose on drinking alcohol.

Some people are even allergic to alcohol itself and can experience symptoms ranging from stomach cramps to hives. This happens because body is not able to tolerate the alcohol which circulates in blood. Additionally, the preservatives used in alcohol too can be harsh on your stomach, increasing the chances of allergic reactions causing stuffy nose or sinus congestion.

If you have any severe or painful symptoms after drinking alcohol, don’t just brush it off as alcohol intolerance. These side effects could be caused by a serious allergy and warrant a visit with your doctor to address your 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.

• These effects can be particularly disruptive for individuals dealing with sleep and respiratory related allergies.
• In general, red wines typically have higher sulfite concentrations than white wines.
• This inflammation can trigger a wide range of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, heartburn, and even headaches.
• When eating out, they should make a point of asking about ingredients to make sure they do not contain alcohol, because even a small amount can cause a reaction.
• The most common cause is ALDH2 deficiency, which results in decreased levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde.
• But, if it happens after drinking, without any other weird lifestyle or dietary changes, there’s a high probability that the symptoms are linked to those wine spritzers.

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. In response to this, many countries have recommended maximum histamine levels for wines, ranging from 2 mg/L in Germany to 10 mg/L in Austria.

Those who notice an increase in their asthma symptoms after drinking alcoholic beverages, especially wine, might be reacting to potassium metabisulfite, a common preservative. The second reason why alcohol can cause sneezing and congestion is that wine, beer, and spirits contain histamine, a compound that elicits an allergic response. Of all alcoholic beverages, red wines usually have the highest histamine content.

White wine has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by many people worldwide. It is typically lighter and sweeter than red wine, but some may find that it can cause sneezing or other irritation. Researchers believe that this could be due to the sulfites used in producing white wine, as well as the histamines found in white grapes.