Alcohol Allergies Can Cause Sneezing, Flushing, Headache

In rare cases, sneezing triggered by alcohol could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as gustatory rhinitis or trigeminal nerve dysfunction. If sneezing persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Individuals may find that certain types of alcohol, such as wine or beer, trigger sneezing more frequently than others. Certain alcoholic beverages, like red wine or beer, may contain histamines and sulfites, which can exacerbate sinus issues, trigger inflammation, and increase sensitivity to allergens. It’s important to note that sneezing after consuming alcohol is not typically a cause for concern, and for most people, it’s simply a harmless reaction.

Can drinking alcohol worsen existing nasal conditions like allergies or rhinitis?

After just a few “tiny sips,” thinking she will be fine, Brown said she ends up “going down the same dreadful path Jack Daniels led me down.” Our test detects the 40 most common indoor and outdoor environmental allergies, including pet dander, pollen, and dust. Wyndly-affiliated medical practices are online practices that help allergy sufferers achieve symptom relief.

Beer allergies can be caused by a reaction to grains, chemicals, or preservatives

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. One study found that, six months after participating in Dry January, 40 percent of participants reported drinking less often and having fewer drinks, whereas 10 percent reported the opposite. The key, according to Seija, is not to do Dry January just to go binge drinking on February 1 but to perhaps find a new drinking pattern that feels comfortable and sustainable. We may never know for sure but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a glass of vino every now and then. If you suffer from this perplexing phenomenon, just remember that you’re not alone – and there are worse things in life!

Causes and Symptoms

• The sulfur compounds in red wine can irritate your nasal passages, resulting in inflammation and swelling that can lead to sinus issues.
• If your symptoms are caused by sinus problems, you may need to see an allergist or immunologist for tests and treatments.
• Alcohol allergies are rare, but if you do have one, it doesn’t take much to trigger a reaction.
• Alcohol and food allergies can cause serious health problems, yet many people do not take the necessary precautions to prevent them.
• This will help reduce your nose’s contact with the drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze.
• While sneezing after drinking alcohol is not typically hereditary, individuals may share genetic predispositions to certain allergens or reactions that can influence their response to alcohol.
• This is particularly true for individuals who notice their allergies getting worse as they age.

To avoid adverse reactions, sensitive individuals should reduce their exposure to sulfites. Alcohol is a common trigger for sneezing in some people, and the reasons behind this reaction can can alcohol cause sneezing vary. While sneezing after consuming alcohol is not typically a serious issue, understanding the underlying causes can help shed light on why it happens.

Why does alcohol make me sneeze?

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. Some people are more sensitive to histamine than others – if you’re prone to allergies or have a histamine intolerance, the histamine content of wine might be the cause of these symptoms. Third, people can try out Dry January—whether that involves cutting back or quitting entirely. “The all-or-nothing approach is never a good idea,” Seija says, because while some people can go cold turkey, it’s unrealistic to demand that everyone who drinks should quit forever.

• For mild cases of sulfite intolerance, avoiding products with added sulfites may provide relief.
• Dec. 24, 2012— — Kristin Brown loved to drink – perhaps partied a little too much when she was in her 20s, but when she hit her 30s, alcohol suddenly hit her the wrong way.
• Certain components of alcoholic beverages, such as histamines and sulfites, can act as triggers for allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing.
• These symptoms can occur soon after consuming beer or take a little longer to appear.
• This will reduce the alcohol in the drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze.
• Additionally, alcohol can worsen existing allergic reactions as it suppresses the body’s ability to fight off foreign substances.

Having an allergy to alcohol itself is very rare, but it is fairly common for people who have other allergies or asthma to see an increase in their symptoms when they drink alcoholic beverages. As the exact cause of alcohol-induced sneezing is not fully understood, there is no foolproof way to prevent it. However, you can try avoiding specific alcoholic beverages or reducing your alcohol consumption to see if it makes a difference. Yes, certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as sulfites in wine or hops in beer, can be more likely to induce sneezing in susceptible individuals. If you suspect that your sneezing is triggered by alcohol, try observing whether it occurs consistently after drinking alcohol and if other allergic symptoms are present.

Unlike alcohol intolerance, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency, an alcohol allergy is an immune system response to specific ingredients found in alcoholic beverages. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance can include a stuffy or runny nose, skin flushing, red itchy skin bumps, and worsening of pre-existing asthma. While these symptoms may be mild and not life-threatening, they can still be uncomfortable and irritating. The only way to prevent these reactions is to avoid alcohol or limit the amount consumed.