Alcohol and Allergies: Does it Make Them Worse? 2025

While beer is not a common irritant, several factors related to its consumption may contribute to sneezing in certain individuals. Understanding these factors can help identify the cause and address the issue effectively. Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps expel irritants from the nasal passages and throat. It is triggered by the stimulation of the mucous membranes in the nose or throat. When these membranes detect an irritant, they send signals to the brain, which then coordinates a sneeze to clear the irritant. If sneezing impacts your quality of life, talk to sneezing while drunk your doctor about ways to reduce or eliminate the problem.

sneezing while drunk

Does age or gender play a role in alcohol-induced sneezing?

Aside from gustatory rhinitis and trigeminal nerve stimulation, other factors like alcohol sensitivity, dehydration, or histamine release could contribute to sneezing after drinking alcohol. The impact results from a deficiency in the body’s capacity to constrict blood vessels, resulting in an elevated risk of fainting. Following alcohol consumption, the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure was significantly reduced, causing more pronounced drops when standing. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance indicate alcohol sensitivity, and are triggered shortly after consuming alcohol.

Why Do I Get Sneezing Fits When Drinking Alcohol?

These reactions may cause inflammation of the skin, throat and airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Finally, sulfite-induced reactions occur when an individual is sensitive to the sulfur dioxide used during wine production as a preservative. Symptoms of this type of reaction may include headaches, skin rash and nausea.

Alcohol Allergy vs. Alcohol Intolerance

sneezing while drunk

One major reason is the loss of muscle mass that naturally occurs with aging. Since muscle helps absorb and distribute alcohol, having less muscle means alcohol stays more concentrated in the bloodstream, leading to stronger effects even with smaller amounts. The quantity of alcohol consumed and the body’s ability to process the substance influence how long discomfort lasts.

Sneezing while drunk

Alcohol allergies are rare, but if you do have one, it doesn’t take much to trigger a reaction. For a minor reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines might help reduce symptoms, such as itching or hives. Beer and wine, in addition to being high in histamine, can aggravate a runny nose or nasal congestion. Some signs of anaphylaxis include swelling, itching, tightening of the throat and mouth, a weak or rapid pulse, fainting, shock, and loss of consciousness. Read beverage labels to see whether they contain ingredients or additives you know cause a reaction, such as sulfites or certain grains.

Histamines

  • The sneezing that some people experience after drinking red wine can also be due to an allergy.
  • The role of a designated sober friend extends beyond just being a designated driver; they serve as a crucial safety net for those who may be too impaired to care for themselves.

Her other culinary mission in life is to convince her family and friends that vegetarian dishes are much more than a basic salad. Epsom salt baths may help with sulphite sensitivity over time, as well as a mineral called molybdenum which can be taken as a supplement. Molybdenum can help the liver cope with the excess sulphites in your system. 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.

  • Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential for beer to irritate allergies due to its sulfite content.
  • One man even ended up with a hole in his throat due to holding in a sneeze.
  • Certain components of alcoholic beverages, such as histamines and sulfites, can act as triggers for allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing.
  • The most common allergens in beer include grains, modified grain proteins, hops, yeast, molds, barleys, additives, and sulfites.

The reason for these effects is usually due to  high blood acetaldehyde levels. We have plenty of reasons on alcohol intolerances, allergies and what to do next. Our complete guide to Sudden Alcohol Intolerance is an excellent introductory resource to this condition. It could also be that alcohol has a natural side effect to make people congested. Alcoholic drinks have a natural vasodilatory what is alcoholism effect which expands blood vessels.

Excess histamine levels in the bloodstream trigger blood vessel expansion, resulting in a histamine reaction, causing facial redness and warmth. Various people rely on prescription antihistamines or antihistamine use before drinking to reduce symptoms, although intolerance remains unchanged in such cases. Chemical additives, including artificial colors or stabilizers, further irritate the system and contribute to discomfort.