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

We all know wine comes with its fair share of effects, some desirable and others less so! Now, I find myself experiencing the same reaction, so let’s explore why it happens and what you can do about it. To avoid adverse reactions, sensitive individuals should reduce their exposure to sulfites.

• Histamine-induced reactions occur when an individual is sensitive to histamines naturally found in wine.
• Problems in the immune system cause an alcohol allergy to develop, while genetic problems in the digestive system tend to cause alcohol intolerance.
• If you experience these symptoms sneezing after drinking alcohol, you must see a doctor as you may need to be treated for an allergy.
• Some people will get anxiety and agitation when they drink due to the drug-like activity of alcohol.
• Some of these chemicals can stimulate the production of histamines, which can lead to sneezing.
• If you think you might be allergic to wine, it is important that you seek medical attention right away.

Can beer cause a histamine reaction?

Beer contains many ingredients, including water, malt barley, brewer’s yeast, hops, and assorted flavorings. While true beer allergies are rare, it is possible to be allergic to one of these ingredients. Problems in the immune system cause an alcohol allergy to develop, while genetic problems in the digestive system tend to cause alcohol intolerance. These problems make it difficult for the body to break down alcohol properly.

Alcohol Intolerance: What It Is, and How To Prevent It

This effect can also make you feel hot when you drink alcohol, but it can also lead to short-term nasal congestion. The blood vessels around your nasal cavity can expand, making it a bit more difficult to breathe normally. While alcohol content sneezing after drinking alcohol does not directly cause sneezing, it can contribute to nasal congestion or irritation, potentially triggering sneezing in some individuals.

Sulfites in beer

“If you are wanting to avoid alcohol, also be cautious of foods that may have alcohol added, for example in a marinade or sauce.” Histamine intolerance occurs when an individual has too much histamine in their body. It is not a sensitivity to histamine but rather an indication that the person has accumulated an excessive amount. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can include sneezing, hives, headaches, nausea, and digestive issues—similar to a common allergic response.

Other allergies

A skin prick test or blood test may be used to detect an allergic reaction to the particular compounds that are present in red wine. If a person is found to be sensitive to red wine, they may need to avoid it altogether or switch to white wine, which contains a lower concentration of histamine. It is important to note that not all allergic reactions to red wine are caused by histamine.

Is going red a sign you’re allergic to alcohol?

If you suspect you have a beer allergy, you can consult a doctor and undergo allergy testing to determine the specific ingredients you are allergic to. If you have milder symptoms, you may have a food sensitivity or intolerance rather than a true allergy. This can still be uncomfortable but is not an immune system response and is less serious. Researchers are exploring the complex relationship between alcohol and allergic reactions. People with an alcohol allergy should exercise caution when eating or drinking anything that they have not prepared themselves.

What is alcohol intolerance?

• 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.
• They are also up to 12 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population.
• They are also added to beer as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria that can turn the alcohol to vinegar.
• It is usually caused by genetic variations in the ALDH2 gene, which produces the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol.
• Some signs of anaphylaxis include swelling, itching, tightening of the throat and mouth, a weak or rapid pulse, fainting, shock, and loss of consciousness.
• It appears to be a unique reaction experienced by individuals based on their own sensitivities.

This figure represents people whose symptoms are traceable to what the manufacturers made the product from and its production process, not the alcohol itself. Our board-certified providers can perform an exam, evaluate your symptoms, and test you for allergies to create a personalized treatment plan. You are now leaving thermofisher.com and going to a site owned and operated by an independent third party. Thermo Fisher Scientific is not responsible or liable for any content or services of any independent third-party site. Thermo Fisher Scientific does not represent independent third parties or the customer if the two enter into a transaction.

If you’re concerned that you have an allergy, your GP will be able to help. “There are many possible reasons that alcohol may cause unpleasant symptoms that are not allergic in nature,” says Shaw. “Your doctor will decide if allergy testing is needed or if the problem is non-allergic (for example histamine intolerance or sulphite sensitivity testing will not be useful here).” Allergic reactions to beer can manifest as abdominal pain and bloating, chest tightness, hives, wheezing, and chest pain.

Additionally, the phenolic compounds found in red wine can cause further irritation and worsen the condition. If you do choose to consume red wine, make sure to do so in moderation and avoid consuming too much. Additionally, adding foods with anti-inflammatory properties to your diet can help reduce any irritation caused by red wine consumption. When people consume alcohol, their body tries to detoxify it by breaking down the compound into its smaller components. However, when there is an excessive amount of alcohol in the system, some of these byproducts don’t get broken down quickly enough and accumulate in high enough levels to cause allergic reactions.