Sneezing When You Drink Wine? 5 Common Culprits and How to Avoid Them

They are also added to beer as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria that can turn the alcohol to vinegar. Alcohol-induced sneezing can occur even without having an alcohol allergy. It is best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you suspect an alcohol allergy. The amount of alcohol consumed does not necessarily correlate with the likelihood of sneezing. Some individuals may experience sneezing even after consuming small amounts.

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Sneezing after drinking beer can be caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol intolerance, allergies, or sensitivity to specific ingredients in beer. Alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition where the body struggles to break down alcohol efficiently, leading to symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose. Allergies to ingredients in beer, such as grains, preservatives, or histamines, can also trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing. Additionally, sensitivity to specific ingredients in beer, such as wheat or barley, may be the culprit.

A protein on the skin of a grape, mostly those in red wines, can contribute to symptoms in those who already have allergies, according to a German study. 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.

Allergic reactions to ingredients

Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more prone to sneezing after consuming alcohol. While further research is needed to fully understand the genetic factors involved, studies have suggested a possible link between certain genes and alcohol-induced sneezing. It could also be that alcohol has a natural side effect to make people congested.

Understanding the underlying cause of sneezing after drinking beer can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. 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. Drinking beer can indeed cause sneezing, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as beer sneezes. While it may be more common than you think, there is little scientific research on the exact number of people affected.

In fact, a small 2014 study of Chinese people with a beer allergy found that sensitivity to sorghum or sorghum malt was the most common cause. Additionally, if you are allergic to a specific grain, you will experience symptoms when consuming other food products containing that allergen, not just beer. Drinking beer can cause sneezing, and this phenomenon is known as “beer sneezes”. While it may be more common than you think, it can be a sign of a mild allergic reaction to alcohol. You may get stuffy nose owing to the presence of some preservatives in alcohol. Many times, some allergic reactions can make you more sensitive towards alcohol intake.

Are certain alcoholic beverages more likely to trigger sneezing?

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. According to the UK Food Standards Agency, nearly all wines exceed 10mg/L of sulphur dioxide. If sneezing impacts your quality of life, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce sneezing when drunk or eliminate the problem. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s “Terms of Use”, “Privacy Policy”, “Cookie Policy”, and “Health Disclaimer”. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Though she has never been officially diagnosed and at first thought it was a “fluke,” Brown said she is sure she has an allergy to alcohol, which can put a crimp in anyone’s holiday celebrations.

Alcohol Allergies Can Cause Sneezing, Flushing, Headache

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming alcohol and you are unsure of the cause, it is recommended to raise your concerns with your doctor. Allergic reactions to beer can manifest as abdominal pain and bloating, chest tightness, hives, wheezing, and chest pain. These symptoms can occur almost immediately after ingesting beer and should be treated as severe and potentially life-threatening. Beer contains many ingredients, including water, malt barley, brewer’s yeast, hops, and assorted flavorings.

• If you see mould on the ouside of the cork, that does not necessarily mean the wine is contaminated.
• Beer, brown liquor, and cider contain the highest levels of sulfites among alcoholic beverages.
• This reaction is a result of vasodilation and increased sensitivity of nerve endings in your nasal passages.
• The only way to prevent these reactions is to avoid alcohol or choose alcoholic beverages that do not contain the specific allergen causing the reaction.
• The best treatment of allergies is to avoid the substance that triggers a reaction wherever possible.
• There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that alcohol-induced sneezing is inherited.

Sulfites are a type of preservative that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. In one 2005 Swedish study, those with asthma, bronchitis and hay fever were more apt to sneeze, get a runny nose or have “lower-airway symptoms” after a drink, especially women. There are few symptoms which need not to be ignored, like, swelling of throat which simply does not allow you to breathe.

• However, if it persists or becomes a consistent reaction, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is recommended.
• Additionally, people with alcohol intolerance, a genetic condition affecting the body’s ability to break down alcohol, may experience sneezing and nasal congestion after drinking beer.
• It is not uncommon for people to experience sneezing fits after drinking beer.
• This happens because body is not able to tolerate the alcohol which circulates in blood.
• Sneezing after drinking beer could be caused by a mild allergic reaction due to a build-up of histamines in your system.
• Dilated blood vessels can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.

Red Wine, Beer, And Whiskey: Common Allergens In Alcoholic Drinks

Beer allergies are rare, but they can be caused by a reaction to grains, chemicals, or preservatives. Beer contains many ingredients other than water, such as malt barley, brewer’s yeast, hops, and assorted flavorings. While true allergies are uncommon, it is more likely that you are allergic to one of these specific ingredients.

Just like wine, beer has a lot of ingredients that can make someone react negatively. Some of the most common culprits for reactions are gluten, hops, wheat, and yeast. If you have an intolerance or sensitivity to any of these ingredients, you’ll likely react to drinking beer. As mentioned, a true allergy to alcohol is extremely rare, though cases of skin reactions have happened. Drinking beer can cause sneezing due to a mild allergic reaction, an intolerance to histamines, or a genetic condition that prevents the body from breaking down alcohol efficiently.