Avoid the beverage or beverages that seem to cause your reaction until your doctor’s appointment. Understanding these differences can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and get the most appropriate medical attention if needed. Research suggests this is one of the most common hereditary disorders in the world, why do i sneeze when i drink alcohol affecting 560 million people, or eight percent of the global population. The highest prevalence (35-40 percent) is among in people of East Asian descent.
If people experience symptoms after drinking alcohol, they should speak with a doctor for further advice. If someone has a true allergy to alcohol, they should avoid the substance entirely. People with alcohol intolerance could still consume alcohol, although they will likely experience side effects. 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’ve ever experienced anaphylaxis after drinking beer, it’s important that you determine which ingredient caused it so you can avoid it all together.
Genetic Intolerance
Knowing the ingredients used to make a wine can help you make an informed decision about what kind of wine you want to drink. Tannins are astringent compounds that contribute to the bitter taste and aroma of wines. When these compounds come into contact with the nasal passages, they can create an irritation sensation which leads to a reflexive sneeze response.
- This reflex is why so many people sneeze when they look at the sun.
- Sunnyside is the leading alcohol health platform focused on moderation and mindfulness, not sobriety.
- Drinking plenty of fluids will help to thin out the mucus in your nose and make it less likely to trigger a sneeze.
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect your lymphatic system.
What You Can Do To Prevent Sneezing When You Drink
Some of the most common culprits for reactions are gluten, hops, wheat, and yeast. Besides wines, fruits like bananas, kiwi, melons, and grapes can also contain sulfites, though in much smaller amounts. It is important to be aware of any symptoms you may experience after consuming alcohol. While it can sometimes be harmless, there are times when the underlying cause could be more serious.
What can I do at home to stop sneezing?
With an intolerance, the symptoms are uncomfortable but not as serious. Occasionally, a doctor may ask a person to consume alcohol in a medical setting and observe any reactions or symptoms. The enzyme diamine oxidase breaks down histamine that people consume from foods and beverages. If people do not produce enough of this enzyme, they may not break down histamine efficiently, which may lead to intolerance symptoms. Symptoms are more likely to be a reaction to the ingredients in a drink, or the alcohol causing other types of allergies to worsen.
However, they can come on suddenly, and a person could develop an alcohol allergy at any point in their life. If you develop symptoms after drinking alcohol, make an appointment with your doctor. Depending on your symptoms, they might refer you to an allergist for testing and treatment. An allergist is a special type of doctor that focuses on allergic conditions.
If the sinuses become inflamed and swollen, a person may develop sinusitis. Oral decongestants are not usually used unless nasal antihistamines and nasal glucocorticoids haven’t worked for you. Oral decongestants can help with stuffiness but they have side effects such as increased blood pressure, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping.
