Additionally, you can opt for wine alternatives such as mead or beer which typically contain lower levels of sulfites than wine. 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.
Can allergies or sensitivities play a role in alcohol-induced sneezing?
While the exact cause is not fully understood, several theories attempt to explain why some people experience this reaction. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind why you may sneeze after drinking alcohol. Look for wines with lower histamine levels, usually white wines, organic wines or sparkling wines.
Sulfites are used as a preservative in wine and other alcoholic beverages, but can lead to an adverse reaction in some people. Symptoms of this kind of allergy include sneezing, itching, hives and difficulty breathing. It is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms after drinking wine. A doctor will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate medical treatment.
If this occurs, it might be best to switch to red wine or to try drinking white wine in moderation. 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. The chemical compounds present in wine, such as gluten, yeast, oak, tannins, and others may affect the way a person experiences the wine differently. For example, someone with an allergy to gluten might experience adverse reactions if the wine contains any trace amounts of gluten. People who are histamine intolerant can develop symptoms such as sneezing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches after drinking alcohol.
If you frequently experience sneezing after drinking alcohol, identifying triggers like specific types of alcohol or allergens can help you avoid or minimize this reaction. Another possibility is that alcohol can induce an allergic reaction in some individuals. Certain components of alcoholic beverages, such as histamines and sulfites, can act as triggers for allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing. You might also sneeze during drinking if you have low alcohol tolerance, so it’s important to know this before having a drink.
Why Do I Experience Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol?
One possible reason for sneezing after drinking alcohol is a phenomenon known as gustatory rhinitis. This condition is characterized by the body reacting to certain foods or drinks with sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion. When alcohol comes into contact with the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, it can trigger a response that leads to sneezing.
In some situations, hangxiety can feel like a panic attack, with symptoms of shortness of breath, sweating, and shaking. Contrary to popular belief, your eyes won’t pop out if you manage to conquer this challenge. Sneezing sends up to 40,000 tiny droplets from your mouth and nose into the air or on nearby surfaces. If someone else breathes in these droplets or touches a surface where they land, they can get symptoms of infection. People can also have an oral allergy syndrome -- a reaction to fresh fruit and vegetables that may be used as a garnish or a mixer in a cocktail, according to Bassett.
Alcohol Allergies Can Cause Sneezing, Flushing, Headache
In recent times, sulfur dioxide and sulfites have been why do you sneeze when you drink alcohol considered allergens, and concerns about their safety as food additives have increased. Sulfites can cause a range of dermatological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular symptoms. Asthmatics, for example, are at an increased risk of having a reaction to sulfite-containing food. The condition is caused by inheriting a gene that affects how alcohol is broken down by the body.
Is alcohol-induced sneezing similar to alcohol flush reaction?
Individuals may find that certain types of alcohol, such as wine or beer, trigger sneezing more frequently than others. However, you can try avoiding specific alcoholic beverages or reducing your alcohol consumption to see if it makes a difference. One theory suggests that alcohol-induced sneezing may be related to nasal congestion. Alcohol has been known to cause dilation of blood vessels, including those in the nasal passages, leading to congestion and potentially triggering sneezing. Alcohol itself can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to swelling, nasal congestion, and excessive mucus drainage. These symptoms can also make the nasal passage more sensitive, leading to sneezing.
- 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.
- Histamine intolerance is a complex condition that can be caused by several different factors.
- Red wine should be avoided if you have a sinus condition or are prone to developing them.
- Sulfites are sulfur compounds that occur naturally in the hops used to make beer.
- Allergy testing is a safe and effective way to diagnose allergies and can provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your breathing difficulties, please contact a medical professional for advice. Symptoms of a wine allergy include rashes, nasal congestion, wheezing or a tingling sensation around the mouth and throat. Red wines, for example, tend to have higher levels of histamines than white wine or beer. If you find that drinking these beverages triggers an allergic reaction, then it’s important to limit your intake and switch to lower-histamine alternatives.
Sometimes it's an alcohol allergy, not alcohol intolerance
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. 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.
What’s the deal with wine sneezes?
However, if it persists or becomes a consistent reaction, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is recommended. In most cases, alcohol-induced sneezing is harmless and not indicative of an underlying medical condition. However, if you consistently experience severe sneezing or other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. If you’re experiencing recurring episodes of hangxiety when you drink alcohol, it could be a sign that you have an underlying mental health condition or alcohol use disorder.
The dilation then extends to blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your nose. 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. You might sneeze more than usual if you have uncontrolled allergies or infectious illnesses like a cold or the flu.
What Does Hangxiety Feel Like?
However, high amounts of tannins may irritate you, and some of us may be intolerant to tannins altogether. 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. The chance of a halted sneeze killing you is so low experts do not even have enough cases to write up scientific studies.
