“They may also be accompanied by a red rash, swelling to the eyes, lips, face, breathing difficulties, stomach upset, feeling dizzy or faint due to low blood pressure,” she adds. “Allergic conditions may be genetic but, can happen in people with no family history too.” Yes, individuals with pre-existing allergies or sensitivities to certain substances may be more prone to sneezing after drinking alcohol. The sneezing reflex after drinking alcohol is primarily caused by vasodilation, which increases the sensitivity of the nerve endings in your nasal passages. When this blood-brain barrier isn’t protected as it should be, the brain is more susceptible to headache-inducing triggers. First, some people have lower levels of the enzymes the body needs to break alcohol (ethanol) into metabolites that it can process and excrete.
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- In addition to raisins and dried fruits, sulfates are used as preservatives in some foods, including wines.
- In some people, intolerance or allergy to alcohol can also result in uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms.
- Dilated blood vessels can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
- Sulfites, found in some wines, have been known to induce various discomforts in a small percentage of drinkers.
Few things can be more frustrating than enjoying a drink with friends only to be interrupted by incessant sneezing. Alcohol-induced sneezing is sneezing after drinking beer a peculiar phenomenon that affects a small percentage of individuals. While the exact cause is not fully understood, several theories attempt to explain why some people experience this reaction. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind why you may sneeze after drinking alcohol.
How To Prevent and Treat Alcohol Intolerance
Reducing negative reactions to alcohol when you have allergies involves responsible drinking habits, awareness of your triggers, and effective management of your allergies. To determine if you’re allergic to alcohol itself, you need to be aware of the symptoms that manifest after consuming it. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may occur immediately or a few hours after ingestion. Shaw says symptoms may affect the skin, breathing and circulatory system.
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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. 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). Some say it is more about the type of beer (too many hops) than what is alcoholism a reaction to the alcohol in beer. 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.
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Alcohol consumption may also stimulate the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain. This stimulation could lead to sneezing, particularly in individuals who have a hypersensitive trigeminal nerve. 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.
