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

One case study found that a forceful sneeze triggered a brain hemorrhage (bleeding) in a man aged 55 years old. A ruptured aneurysm causes this type of hemorrhage, which could be fatal if untreated. A ruptured eardrum is a hole in the tissue that divides your outer and middle ear. You force the pressure that’s searching for a way out up into your face if you pinch your nose to stifle a sneeze. Pinching your nose might guide the pressure through the eustachian tube, which connects the back of your nose to your middle ear. While beer is not a common irritant, several factors related to its consumption may contribute to sneezing in certain individuals.

More likely, you’re allergic to or sensitive to a particular ingredient in that beer. It is also important to note that the “beer sneezes” are not a reliable indicator of intoxication levels, and drinking and driving can be dangerous. It is not uncommon for people to experience sneezing fits after drinking beer. This phenomenon, often called “beer sneezes”, may be more frequent than you think. Make sure you avoid alcohol intake with any other medications, as there can be interaction between the two.

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. There is no evidence to suggest that specific types of alcohol are more likely to induce sneezing. However, some individuals may find certain alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer, more likely to trigger the sneezing reflex due to their individual sensitivities.

Rupture of a Brain Aneurysm

Wine-intolerant persons were also more likely to report intolerance to beer and alcohol in general. The phenomenon of sneezing after beer consumption can be attributed to a combination of factors including the presence of histamines, allergens, carbonation, and individual sensitivities. Understanding these factors can help identify potential triggers and provide effective strategies for managing or preventing sneezing.

Sneezing: Causes and How To Make It Stop

Kaia, a distinguished sommelier known for her unparalleled expertise in rare and exotic wines, understands the art of wine pairing. Her elusive art of winemaking brings a touch of elegance to every sip, creating a sensory journey for wine lovers. There is no evidence suggesting that age or gender has a significant influence on alcohol-induced sneezing. He worked as a bartender instructor for many years, teaching people how to make cocktails like a pro. Barry loves experimenting with flavors, and he’s always coming up with innovative cocktail recipes. Quercetin is a plant pigment that has been shown to cause sneezing in some people.

For those with histamine intolerance, it is crucial to be aware of how histamines in alcohol affect the body. This knowledge can guide individuals in making informed decisions about alcohol consumption, especially if they have experienced adverse reactions in the past. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended if one frequently encounters symptoms of histamine intolerance. Not that there are any scientific studies on the number of people who are affected, but, if you get the “beer sneezes” after you have had a beer (or, more than one beer), you are not alone. The online discussions on this phenomenon range from catching a closet drinker in the act to a life-threatening allergy situation (please, carry an epi-pen in this case).

Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition in which the body can’t break down alcohol efficiently. The only way to prevent these uncomfortable reactions is to avoid alcohol. Chemicals like sulfites, which are why do i sneeze when i drink beer present in beer after fermentation, can also trigger allergic reactions. Combining alcohol with certain medications can also lead to similar reactions.

Such reactions can include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
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.
As a result, the nerve endings in your nasal passages become more sensitive.
They may go away without treatment, but some may cause a ruptured eardrum if untreated.
However, it is important to choose non-drowsy antihistamines, especially if planning to continue daily activities.
Some people are sensitive to sulfites and can exhibit adverse reactions to sulfite residues in foods.

Throat Pain Due To Bacterial Laryngitis: Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment- Antibiotics

Your symptoms can also be due to an interaction between beer or alcohol and any medication you’re taking. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking any medications or supplements. It means you have to take great care in reading labels and choosing foods and drinks. A small 2014 study of Chinese people with a beer allergy found that sensitivity to sorghum or sorghum malt was the most common cause. However, if you notice an escalation in symptoms or the development of new respiratory issues, it is advisable to consult a medical professional. The temperature of the alcohol itself is not a significant factor in inducing sneezing.

If you have milder symptoms, you may have a food sensitivity or intolerance rather than a true allergy. This can still be uncomfortable but is not an immune system response and is less serious. Histamine intolerance can be managed by taking antihistamines, which help the body process the excess histamine. However, it is important to choose non-drowsy antihistamines, especially if planning to continue daily activities. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from further alcohol consumption for the day to prevent exacerbating symptoms. You’ll also experience symptoms when you eat other food products containing that allergen.

Ways to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose on Drinking Alcohol

In conclusion, the exact reasons behind why some people sneeze after drinking alcohol are not definitively known. The most commonly proposed explanations include congestion, allergies, nerve stimulation, and genetic factors. If this phenomenon causes significant distress or worsens over time, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.

With a little research and careful label reading, you may be able to find beer that doesn’t contain that particular allergen. A few alcohols are less likely to trigger symptoms in people with alcohol intolerance. However, if you have alcohol intolerance, you must talk to your doctor about which alcohols are best for you to drink. If you’re looking for a way to prevent sneezing when you drink, try making your cocktails with fresh fruit juices instead of using pre-made mixes. This will help reduce the number of histamines in your drink and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze.

As a result, the nerve endings in your nasal passages become more sensitive. This increased sensitivity can lead to a sneeze reflex being triggered, causing you to sneeze. If you’re allergic to wine, you may notice that you sneeze more after drinking it. Those “beer sneezes” do not mean you are officially drunk any more than the lack of sneezes mean you are okay to drive. For many people, more than 2 ounces of alcohol can lead to triggering allergies which is also termed as alcohol allergy.

Beer contains histamines, which are produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. While true allergies to alcohol are rare, it is possible to have an allergy or sensitivity to specific ingredients in beer, such as grains, chemicals, or preservatives. These allergies or sensitivities can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, wheezing, hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, even anaphylaxis.

Why do i sneeze after drinking alcohol?

It is important to note that beer sneezes are not a reliable indicator of intoxication and that an allergic reaction to beer, while rare, can be life-threatening. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor. People with a beer allergy will likely experience symptoms similar to other allergic reactions, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and chest tightness.

Understanding these factors can help identify the cause and address the issue effectively. To avoid adverse reactions, sensitive individuals should reduce their exposure to sulfites. 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. The condition is caused by inheriting a gene that affects how alcohol is broken down by the body. 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.

An Allergic Reaction

They can help identify the specific cause of your reaction and provide guidance on managing your condition. Histamine intolerance or sensitivity can make it difficult for the body to metabolize the histamines found in beer. Red wines typically have higher histamine content than other alcoholic beverages, but beer also contains histamines that can affect susceptible individuals. Beer contains many ingredients, including water, malt barley, brewer’s yeast, hops, and assorted flavorings. While true beer allergies are rare, it is possible to be allergic to one of these ingredients.