
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the most appropriate and safe treatment options for congestion. If you’re trying an alcoholic beverage for the first time, allergies and food sensitivities can sometimes be the hidden culprits behind a sudden alcohol intolerance. This can be due to an allergic response to ingredients within the drink, such flavourings, preservatives, or even particular grains used in brewing that you haven’t been previously exposed to. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking alcohol, it’s best to avoid future consumption. There are many other types of alcoholic beverages that don’t cause these reactions, so you can still enjoy your favorite drinks without having to worry about the side effects.
Why Do I Get Stuffy Nose & Nasal Congestion After Drinking Alcohol?

Because the body can’t break down alcohol, it’s toxic byproducts flood the system and accumulate with each drink you have. In some people, these reactions look like allergy symptoms even though they don’t have a true allergy to alcohol. Stuffy nose problem is also termed as sinus congestion which often occurs due to presence of preservatives like sulfur dioxide. To understand what causes stuffy nose on drinking alcohol, it is necessary to understand certain facts. A sudden intolerance to alcohol can be very frightening, especially if you have never experienced any allergic reactions before.
Why Does Beer Make Me Sneeze And Get Congested?
- Like many medical terms, vasomotor rhinitis sounds ominous but generally is not.
- Cabernet Sauvignon’s full-bodied, intense flavor makes it a great option for pairing with different meals.
- If you have this condition, you may need to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.
- 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.
The consumption of alcohol has been linked to nasal congestion in some people. But alcohol tolerance is more complicated than just being “a lightweight” or not. In fact, alcohol intolerance is a metabolic disorder that doesn’t have anything to do with how many drinks you can down before your beer goggles switch on. Your body holds on to the nutritive parts of what you eat and drink, but, otherwise, what goes in must also come out. Through a multistep process, your body breaks drug addiction down the ethanol found in your beer, wine, spiked seltzer — whatever it is you’re drinking — into waste products your body can easily eliminate. To combat the effects of alcohol on your nose and sinuses, you can try OTC nasal sprays such as fluticasone or azelastine.
Trigeminal Neuralgia or Prosopalgia or Fothergill’s Disease: Causes, Treatment- Surgery
If you do drink alcohol, be sure to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical help if necessary. The third type of headache caused by alcohol is a “Delayed Alcohol-Induced Headache” (“DAIH”). These headaches usually occur hours after a patient has stopped drinking, as their why do i get congested when i drink blood alcohol level returns to zero. While the cause of DAIH is unknown, researchers believe they are related to a drop in a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which regulates the body’s central pain control.
- One of these reactions triggers swelling of the blood vessels which results in a flushed face.
- For instance, beer and wine contain high levels of histamine, which can also contribute to a runny nose or nasal congestion.
- (Well, you may wake up with a headache, but it subsides throughout the day.) But as soon as bedtime rolls around, your head starts pounding.
Can Red Wine Cause Sinus Problems?

This can cause a temporary feeling of relief in the nasal passages by reducing inflammation and decongesting the sinuses. However, it is worth noting that this effect is only temporary and does not address the underlying cause of congestion. In conclusion, alcohol makes me congested while alcohol may provide temporary relief from congestion, it is not without its risks and side effects. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the most appropriate and safe treatment options for congestion.

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