Why Do I Sneeze When I Drink Alcohol?

If you react to the tannins in red wine, then you might find it easier on your system to choose white and sparkling wines. Some people are super sensitive to all wines and get on better with another low-tannin alcohol such as gin, vodka, rum, or tequila. Yes, while relatively uncommon, some individuals may develop alcohol-induced sneezing later in life. It is believed to be related to changes in nasal sensitivity or other physiological factors. While different quantities of alcohol may have varying effects on individuals, there is no direct link between the quantity of alcohol consumed and the likelihood of sneezing.

What You Can Do To Prevent Sneezing When You Drink

If you see mould around the cork of an older bottle, make sure that you clean it off very thoroughly before opening, and take care there is minimal contamination from the cork. But if you think your wine is contaminated by mould, it is best to discard it as it can be worse for you than just sneezing. If you see mould on drunk sneezing the ouside of the cork, that does not necessarily mean the wine is contaminated. Studies have found benefits to consuming small amounts of tannin due to its natural antimicrobial and histamine regulating effects.

Why Do I Experience Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol?

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. 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.

Surprising side effects of alcohol

There is no evidence to suggest that specific types of alcohol are more likely to induce sneezing. The occurrence of sneezing after consuming alcohol seems to differ on an individual basis. Alcohol can sometimes exacerbate nasal symptoms in individuals with preexisting conditions like allergies or rhinitis. It’s best to monitor how your body responds to alcohol and avoid it if it worsens your symptoms.

• 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.
• If alcohol-induced sneezing becomes problematic or uncomfortable, seeking medical advice is always recommended.
• In conclusion, the exact reasons behind why some people sneeze after drinking alcohol are not definitively known.
• Many people are familiar with common side effects of alcohol, including lowered inhibitions, euphoria (i.e., feeling “tipsy”), decreased coordination, and hangovers.

It’s worth noting that current guidelines advise against drinking alcohol as a way to improve health. And not so long ago there was general consensus that drinking in moderation also came with health advantages, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Certain medications, such as antihistamines or nasal spray, can interact with alcohol and potentially increase the chances of sneezing.

Can specific types of alcohol trigger sneezing more than others?

The most common cause is ALDH2 deficiency, which results in decreased levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde. People with this deficiency metabolize acetaldehyde slowly, leading to its buildup. ADH enzyme variants are another cause of alcohol intolerance, altering the structure and function of aldehyde dehydrogenase. A study assessed the histamine levels in 17 beers, and the results ranged from 21 to 305 micrograms per litre. Red wines generally have higher histamine content than white wines, with levels ranging from 60 to 3,800 micrograms per litre in reds and 3 to 120 micrograms per litre in whites. Histamines are chemicals produced by the human immune system and are found in nearly all tissues Twelve-step program of the body.

Health Library categories

However, if you have alcohol intolerance, you must talk to your doctor about which alcohols are best for you to drink. A number of experts have recommended revision of the guidelines toward lower amounts, as more studies have linked even https://ecosoberhouse.com/ moderate alcohol consumption to health risks. Predictably, the alcoholic beverage industry opposes more restrictive guidelines. In addition to histamine, sulfites can be found in wine and beer, which may also irritate allergies for some people. Alcohol is not the only category of food/drink that can affect allergies in this way.