Some winemakers do choose to state their histamine content, particularly if it’s low. For example, Italian winemaker Peri Bigogno produces wines with a certified histamine content under 0.5 mg/L. In most cases, alcohol-induced sneezing is harmless and merely an annoyance. However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more prone to sneezing after consuming alcohol.
In addition, beer is often brewed with hops, comprising a compound called lupulin. When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into your why do i sneeze when i drink alcohol bloodstream and quickly travels to your brain. One is that alcohol dilates blood vessels in the nose, which can cause irritation and lead to sneezing.
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 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.
But not many people realize that there are many ingredients, additives, and preservatives within alcoholic beverages that can cause negative side effects. In some people, these reactions look like allergy symptoms even though they don’t have a true allergy to alcohol. Alcohol also acts as a vasodilator, meaning it widens your blood vessels. This process can lead to swelling in sensitive areas, including the nasal passages. When these passages become inflamed or congested, airflow is further restricted, compounding the effects of relaxed throat muscles. As a result, the combination of swollen nasal passages and a relaxed airway creates a near-perfect storm for snoring.
If you find that certain drinks trigger your sneezing, try switching to a different type of alcohol. For example, if wine makes you sneeze, try drinking vodka or gin Sober living home instead. And if cocktails make you sneeze, try making your own with fresh fruit juices instead of pre-made mixes. Mixed drinks containing any of the ingredients mentioned earlier are also likely to cause sneezing.
Histamine is produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. While many people are able to metabolize the histamines found in beer, some are sensitive to it. In addition to histamine, beer also contains sulfites, which can irritate allergies for some people.
It is not uncommon for people to experience sneezing fits after drinking beer. This phenomenon, often called “beer sneezes”, may be more frequent than you think. “Reactions to alcohol are unlikely to be caused by a ‘true’ allergy,” explains Holly Shaw, Nurse Advisor at Allergy UK. The symptoms of alcohol intolerance usually occur immediately after drinking alcohol and can be intense. One of the primary symptoms is facial flushing, where the face quickly turns red and may feel warm due to increased blood flow.