Or, maybe you’re sensitive to sulfites or other chemicals in alcoholic beverages, resulting in nausea or headaches. In conclusion, if you find yourself sneezing when you drink alcohol, know that you are not alone. This reaction is a result of vasodilation and increased sensitivity of nerve endings in your nasal passages. While alcohol-induced sneezing is generally harmless, taking note of any severe or persistent symptoms is essential. Ultimately, each person’s reaction to alcohol can vary, so understanding your body’s unique response is key.

For example, someone with a wheat allergy may only react after eating wheat followed by drinking alcohol or exercising. “This is known as food-dependant cofactor induced anaphylaxis,” Dr Watts says. Some say it is more about the type of beer (too many hops) than 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. The tannins in red wine can be the cause of sneezing for some people.

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.

Can sneezing after drinking alcohol be a sign of an underlying medical condition?

Alcohol is toxic and must be converted by the body into non-toxic substances. This takes time, which is why the symptoms can last for a whole day or more. Depending on whether a person has an alcohol allergy or intolerance, they may need to avoid alcohol entirely. However, some people with Hodgkin lymphoma experience pain in their lymph nodes after consuming alcohol. There is no evidence to suggest that specific types of alcohol are more likely to induce sneezing. However, some individuals may find certain alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer, more likely to trigger the sneezing reflex due to their individual sensitivities.

Additional Common Questions

White wine tends to contain higher levels of sulfites than red wine and beer. Some types of sulfites might also trigger an asthmatic attack if you have asthma. While alcohol content does not directly cause sneezing, it can contribute to nasal congestion or irritation, potentially triggering sneezing in some individuals.

Alcohol Nasal Congestion FAQ

1. One of the most common forms of alcohol intolerance is sulfite intolerance.
2. In other words, weight gain isn’t inevitable, but you could still tip the scale up from drinking too much alcohol.
3. One of my customers, let’s call him Jeff, had to be rushed to the hospital after going into anaphylactic shock from just a sip of beer.
4. And “it can come before physical symptoms or without physical symptoms at all.”
5. While it can sometimes be harmless, there are times when the underlying cause could be more serious.

Rinsing your nose with salt water or a saline solution will help to soothe the mucous membranes in your nose and reduce inflammation. Alcohol increases urine production, so it’s true that dehydration can often contribute to the hurt of a hangover. Unfortunately, no, says Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and an emergency physician at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. “I wish there was some magic drink everyone could have, but there isn’t.” You need to sneeze, but no matter what you do, you just can’t. To make yourself sneeze, you can stimulate your trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve).

In either case, the result is less acetaldehyde being broken down into acetate. It’s very difficult for consumers to know whether an alcoholic drink contains allergens or ingredients they’re intolerant to. That’s because in the UK, alcoholic drinks manufacturers difference between na and aa don’t have to put an ingredients list or nutrition information on the label. So, Dr Sim urges anyone who knows they’re allergic to certain foods, particularly grains, to be aware they could be in drinks, too.

Physical Signs You’re Drinking Too Much

The dilation then extends to blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your nose. In this article, we’ll explore why sneezing and alcohol sometimes go hand-in-hand. We’ll also provide tips on avoiding sneezing when you drink. When you combine alcohol with drugs containing acetaminophen, like Tylenol, you run the risk of liver damage, according to the NIAAA. Ingesting too much of one or both substances can be toxic to the liver.

For resources related to AUD, including how to get support, please visit the NIH website. We’ve also partnered with Moderation Management, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol. If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, you may consider going cold turkey to improve your health. Avoid the beverage or beverages that seem to cause your reaction until your doctor’s appointment.