Antihistamines help with allergy symptoms by blocking histamines, which lead to runny noses, watery eyes, and sneezing. A stuffy nose is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms and is more likely to be annoying than dangerous. Congestion occurs when nasal passages are inflamed and filled with excess mucus. When severe, a stuffy nose can impede airflow and force a person to breathe from their mouth. Allergy testing is the only way to formally diagnose allergies.
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When we think about alcohol tolerance, we often think of the number of drinks a person can handle before getting giggly or slurring words. But, if your nose is all stuffed up or runny after just a few sips of wine, this process probably isn’t proceeding as smoothly for you as it does for other people. You had a long week, and you opened that bottle of wine to help you relax — but instead you wound up with a stuffy nose you now have to deal with. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but those who do get congested after a glass or two know just how much of a buzzkill it can be. Unfortunately for wine-lovers, there’s a lot of things in wine that can cause negative reactions or intolerances.
- This variant is more common in people of Asian descent.
- The blood vessels around your nasal cavity can expand, making it a bit more difficult to breathe normally.
- Other possible triggers include strong smells and exposure to cold air, among others.
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- This rhinitis develops with the overuse of over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays or other medications.
- If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care.
- According to the FDA, about 1% of people are sensitive to sulfites — a group of compounds found in wine and beer.
Alcohol intolerance is linked not to your immune system, but to your metabolic system. With alcohol intolerance, your body isn’t reacting to the presence of alcohol; it’s simply taking a long time to break alcohol down and flush it from sneezing after drinking alcohol the body. 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.
When to speak with a doctor
During a skin prick test, your doctor will use a lancet to prick or scratch your skin. They will apply a drop of allergen extract to the pricked or scratched area. Your skin’s reaction can help them learn if you have an allergy. In particular, many people with alcohol intolerance wonder how to prevent the alcohol flush reaction, because they consider it embarrassing or unattractive. Some people take Pepcid to reduce their flush reaction and manage other symptoms of alcohol intolerance, but this approach is not recommended. It’s normal to get sick or experience unpleasant symptoms after drinking too much alcohol.
Risk factors to consider
Nasal polyps
- A skin prick test should take place in a medical setting in case of a severe allergic reaction.
- As a result, people with asthma are also more likely to experience nasal congestion after drinking alcohol.
- If you experience these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- The second reason why alcohol can cause sneezing and congestion is that wine, beer, and spirits contain histamine, a compound that elicits an allergic response.