Published April 3, 2024

Sneezing: Causes and How To Make It Stop

People can develop an alcohol intolerance for a couple of reasons. Alcohol intolerance occurs when your body doesn’t have the proper enzymes to break down (metabolize) the toxins in alcohol. This is caused by inherited (genetic) traits most often found in Asians. However, if you have a serious reaction or severe pain, see your doctor. Also, if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or a medication you’re taking, see your doctor. If sneezing impacts your quality of life, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce or eliminate the problem.

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

• Allergy testing can determine if a person is allergic to histamine or other compounds found in red wine.
• There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that alcohol-induced sneezing is inherited.
• If you drink alcohol while taking these medications, you can experience alcohol intolerance.
• While the risk is low, those who experience such reactions should reduce or avoid alcohol and sulfite-containing foods altogether.

People who have a true alcohol allergy should avoid drinking alcohol entirely. An alcohol intolerance rash looks like red, itchy bumps or hives on your skin. Hives can also signal an alcohol-related allergy, so be on the lookout for other symptoms that are exclusive to alcohol intolerance. If you’re unsure whether you have an allergy or intolerance, consult with your healthcare provider.

• Lastly, always practice responsible drinking and take frequent breaks while consuming alcohol.
• It is best for people who have gluten intolerance to avoid beer, unless it is gluten-free.
• People can also have an oral allergy syndrome — a reaction to fresh fruit and vegetables that may be used as a garnish or a mixer in a cocktail, according to Bassett.
• Besides, maybe your sneezes are just nature’s way of making sure you don’t have too much fun ;).
• So, people are typically born with a tendency for alcohol intolerance, which also runs in groups of people who are more closely genetically related.

Genetic Predisposition

The symptoms of histamine intolerance are similar to an allergic reaction. For example, potential symptoms include red and itchy skin, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In particular, many people with alcohol intolerance wonder how to prevent the alcohol flush reaction, because they consider it embarrassing or unattractive.

How To Prevent and Treat Alcohol Intolerance

Or you may have an alcohol allergy, a stronger reaction that involves the immune system. Beer also contains histamines which could cause a reaction in some people, including sneezing and stuffy nose why do i sneeze when drinking alcohol after drinking. People with the ALDH2 deficiency are at higher risk for certain types of cancer, including liver cancer.9 Because alcohol is a carcinogen, drinking already increases cancer risk.

• Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol.
• If the allergic reaction is more severe, people may require epinephrine, also known as an EpiPen.
• A person experiencing a severe allergic reaction should go to the emergency room immediately.
• In our society, a mother describing how the stress of raising kids led to hefty wine consumption is as acceptable as tired jokes about burning dinner or useless husbands.
• Sneezing is an involuntary burst of air forced from your lungs through your nose and mouth.

A person with severe allergies should carry one with them at all times, in case of a serious allergic reaction. Depending on whether a person has an alcohol allergy or intolerance, they may need to avoid alcohol entirely. Occasionally, a doctor may ask a person to consume alcohol in a medical setting and observe any reactions or symptoms.

And if you have any sort of allergies, frequent alcohol consumption can worsen your symptoms. The symptoms range from sneezing and congestion to a more severe anaphylactic reaction. Histamine, which is produced during the breakdown of alcohol, is one of the main compounds responsible for these allergic reactions. People who are sensitive to histamine may experience more severe symptoms than those who are not. It is important to be aware of any potential allergy symptoms that can occur when consuming alcoholic beverages and speak to a doctor if any reactions occur.

The Reason Behind Sneezing After Drinking