why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol

Taking smaller sips can help reduce the amount of carbonation your nose is exposed to. If you’re still having problems, it could be time to consult your doctor. The tannins in red wine can be the cause of sneezing for some people. First, some people have lower levels of the enzymes the body needs to break alcohol (ethanol) into metabolites that it can process and excrete. When byproducts of alcohol don’t get broken down quickly enough, they accumulate to levels high enough to cause a mild allergic reaction. Nasal blockage is the most common symptom, followed by flushed skin, nasal discharge (runny nose), and itching.

What is Sudden Alcohol Intolerance?

Another reason why alcohol can cause wheezing is that it not only contains histamines but also stimulates the body to release excess histamines, causing an inflammatory response. When this inflammation occurs in the airway, patients can experience wheezing and shortness of breath. The most common of these compounds are sulfites, which are typically highest in beer, brown liquor, and cider. For example, I have a friend who loves beer but always feels sick after drinking it.

News

  • Some researchers speculate that the condition represents exaggerated sensitivity of the lining tissues of the nose and sinuses.
  • The tannins in red wine can be the cause of sneezing for some people.
  • It can also cause more serious problems, requiring immediate medical help.
  • While talking about the breaking down of alcohol in body, there is an enzyme called as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
  • Your descent may also have to do with that because those belonging to Asian countries face more of such problems leading to nasal inflammation on drinking alcohol.

Ultimately, mixing Pepcid and alcohol so that you can drink more only worsens the problem. If you’re wondering how to prevent a stuffy nose after drinking, try drinking water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. Hydration may help alleviate this symptom, but it won’t eliminate your stuffiness completely. The nickname “Asian glow” comes from the prevalence of alcohol intolerance among East Asians.

why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol

Alcohol Allergies: Symptoms, Signs, and Treatment for Reactions

You may simply need to avoid alcohol, limit how much you drink, or avoid certain types of alcoholic beverages. However, if you have a serious reaction or severe pain, see your doctor. Also, if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or a medication you’re taking, see your doctor. An alcohol intolerance, or ingredients like histamines in alcohol cause an allergy-like reaction in drinkers, swelling the the mucosal membranes in the nasal passages and airways.

How To Prevent and Treat Alcohol Intolerance

This enzyme is produced from a gene but when, this gene is absent in the body, there is a lack of enzymes which leads to breaking down of alcohol but in an incomplete way. The reason your nose gets congested when you drink wine is related to the effects alcohol has on your blood vessels. Rarely, severe pain after drinking alcohol is a sign of a more serious disorder, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Your brain adapts to alcohol over time and can become less sensitive to its effects. Are you wondering whether your drinking is on the high side of normal or if it’s crossed the line into a problem?

why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol

Alcohol intolerance

All three of those alcoholic drinks have something different in them. You said wine and booze don’t do it very much yet beer makes you stuffy. You might try less hopped beers so a Helles Lager vs an IPA and see if one makes you more or less stuffy. Most people have an allergic reaction to the histamines in wine, which causes flushing of the face and neck and nasal congestion. You may not need to see a doctor if you why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol have a mild intolerance to alcohol or something else in alcoholic beverages.

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why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol

Your body needs this enzyme to properly metabolize alcohol and eliminate it from the body, so there’s nothing you can do to prevent or cure alcohol intolerance. An alcohol intolerance rash looks like red, itchy bumps or hives on your skin. Hives can also signal an alcohol-related allergy, so be on the lookout for other symptoms that are exclusive to alcohol intolerance. If you’re unsure whether you have an allergy or intolerance, consult with your healthcare provider. An allergy is when your immune system has an unusual reaction to a substance, like dust or nuts. Alcohol intolerance is linked not drug addiction to your immune system, but to your metabolic system.

why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol

Ways To Stop Drinking Alcohol

why do i get stuffy when i drink alcohol

An alcohol allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to alcohol entering the body. If you react strongly to alcohol, but have a hard time reducing your drinking, Ria Health can help. We offer online support to help you quit or cut back, including medication, coaching, and app-based tools.