Other possible triggers include strong smells and exposure to cold air, among others. Typical symptoms include a runny nose and congestion, which might be accompanied by postnasal drip, headache and/or a dry cough. While alcohol can help you reduce stress at the end of a long day or celebrate when you’re out with friends, keep in mind that the more we consume on a regular basis, the worse we feel. While the initial hangover may subside, alcohol can create trouble for your gut and your body in the long term. Even just a few drinks per week or a single alcohol binge (more than four to five drinks in one sitting) may be holding you back from a healthy gut6. This is because alcohol’s toxic nature and the byproducts it creates through metabolism affect our normal gut bacteria and the health of our gut lining.
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This congestion can cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and even diarrhea. Yes, nasal congestion caused by beer consumption can be accompanied by symptoms like headache, facial pressure, or even sneezing. Yes, other alcoholic beverages can also cause nasal congestion, as they contain alcohol, which possesses similar vasodilating properties.
Is nasal congestion after drinking alcohol a sign of alcohol intolerance or allergy?
- If you’ve ever noticed your nose gets more congested after you have a glass of wine (or other alcohol), you’re not alone!
- Alcohol intolerance is a temporary, but pretty uncomfortable, reaction to alcohol — with nasal congestion and flushed skin being the two most common side effects.
- First, the body produces histamines in response to the presence of the alcohol that the body is unable to digest.
- However, hot beverages like mulled wine or spicy cocktails may indirectly contribute to congestion by causing temporary dilation of blood vessels.
The alcohol concentration itself does not have a direct impact on congestion. However, higher alcohol content can lead to increased blood flow and subsequent nasal congestion. Having sluggish ALDH2 enzymes, or lower levels of it altogether, is ultimately the product of having genetic variation in your ALDH2 gene. Specifically, genetic changes that make your corresponding ALDH2 enzyme bad at its job. What’s more is that this genetic variation can be passed down from parent to child, making alcohol intolerance an inherited condition.
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- For instance, beer and wine contain high levels of histamine, which can also contribute to a runny nose or nasal congestion.
- Because of the impact drinking alcohol has on the sinuses when healthy, alcohol can exacerbate sinus infections.
- There are many other types of alcoholic beverages that don’t cause these reactions, so you can still enjoy your favorite drinks without having to worry about the side effects.
- Although this is rare, it can be life-threatening and require emergency care.
- Many people believe that consuming alcohol can help alleviate congestion caused by a cold or allergies.
It is important to note that OTC medications are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options. In this video, we take a look at why red wine can cause congestion and some ways to prevent it. And if you experience any signs or symptoms after drinking, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. Red and white wine are more likely to create nasal congestion symptoms, and beer can also worsen existing nasal symptoms.
There are sneezing after drinking alcohol many other types of alcoholic beverages that don’t cause these reactions, so you can still enjoy your favorite drinks without having to worry about the side effects. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure whether you have an alcohol intolerance or if you want to learn more about how to manage your symptoms. To summarize, alcohol causes dehydration, which can lead to swelling and inflammation, particularly in the sinuses. Furthermore, alcohol triggers an inflammatory response in the body, damaging cells and tissues and contributing to various health conditions.
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This can lead to dehydration which, in turn, thickens the mucus membranes in the body leading to nasal congestion. Unlike having an intolerance or allergy, dehydration can be avoided by drinking plenty of water and caring for your sinuses. An alcohol intolerance, or ingredients like histamines in alcohol cause Drug rehabilitation an allergy-like reaction in drinkers, swelling the the mucosal membranes in the nasal passages and airways.
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- There are no treatments for alcohol intolerance, but avoiding alcoholic beverages is the best way to prevent symptoms.
- Alcohol is also heavily linked to intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” as it directly destroys epithelial cells2—our gut lining.
- This incomplete processing of the alcohol can cause the body to react by producing symptoms that reflect an allergy to the alcohol.
The combination of warm liquid and honey can help soothe a sore throat and clear congestion. However, it’s important to note that the alcohol in a hot toddy is not what is providing the decongestant effect – it’s the warmth and other ingredients. You had a long week, and you opened that bottle of wine to help you relax — but instead you wound up with a stuffy nose you now have to deal with. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but those who do get congested after a glass or two know just how much of a buzzkill it can be.