It may be nothing more than coincidence, or it could signal the start of legal intoxication. Either way, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re out enjoying some beers with friends. When someone suddenly starts sneezing after drinking a few pints, it’s time for them to take a break and re-assess their drinking habits. Allergies can be serious and require medical attention, so if you think you might have an allergy to something in beer, speak with a doctor as soon as possible for the best treatment advice.

Can everyone experience sneezing after drinking alcohol?
If you are allergic to these ingredients, your skin will itch or you’ll get a rash during the test. In such cases, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals who can help diagnose the potential cause of your symptoms. They might recommend allergy testing or suggest dietary adjustments based on your specific needs. In some cases, people may also have an Drug rehabilitation allergy to additives commonly found in coffee, such as dairy or artificial flavorings. If sneezing persists with coffee consumption, it might be worthwhile to look into both the type of coffee you are drinking and any additives that might be contributing to your symptoms. The acidity level in coffee can vary significantly depending on the roast and brewing method.
How common is alcohol allergy?
Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential for beer to irritate allergies due to its sulfite content. If you experience any negative reactions after drinking beer, it is best to avoid it or choose a different type of beverage. However, some people develop allergy-like symptoms, such as an itchy throat and nasal congestion, in response to the sulfites in wine. If your body is suddenly rejecting alcohol, it could be due to alcohol intolerance, a reduction in enzyme production, an underlying health issue, or medication interactions. Intolerance results in symptoms like flushing, nausea, or rapid heartbeat.
This Wine Is Making Me Feel… Sneezy?

In general, red wines typically have higher sulfite concentrations than white wines. Additionally, you can opt for wine alternatives such as mead or beer which typically contain lower levels of sulfites than wine. This inflammation can trigger a wide range of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, heartburn, and even headaches. Additionally, alcohol can worsen existing allergic reactions as it suppresses the body’s ability to fight off foreign substances. Signs of an allergic reaction may include nausea, vomiting, hives, and itching. Wine and other alcoholic beverages are generally not considered as potential allergens, so if you think you may have an allergy to wine, it is important to get a proper diagnosis.
Want to breathe better without allergies?

Pre-existing conditions like hay fever, asthma, or nasal polyps can exacerbate the reaction. Stress levels, environmental factors (like pollen counts), and even what you’ve eaten prior to consuming beer can also play a role in triggering a sneeze. Yes, in addition to sneezing, drinking beer can cause nasal congestion, skin flushing, hives, abdominal pain, and in rare cases, more severe allergic reactions.
Are some types of alcohol more likely to cause sneezing than others?
- Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more prone to sneezing after consuming alcohol.
- As with why do i sneeze when i drink alcohols, this issue comes down to a depletion of enzymes — in this case, enzymes that are required to metabolize alcohol in the liver.
Sublingual immunotherapy has gained popularity as a convenient and effective treatment for various allergies, including those triggered by alcohol. SLIT works by gradually desensitizing the immune system to the allergen, reducing the severity of reactions. This treatment is especially beneficial for individuals with multiple allergies or those who find it challenging to avoid allergens entirely.
FAQ 6: Is there a way to build tolerance to the substances in beer that cause sneezing?
As we now know, alcohol intolerance is an issue with metabolizing alcohol — not an overzealous immune system. Yes, certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as sulfites in wine or hops in beer, can be more likely to induce sneezing in susceptible individuals. Unfortunately, nothing can prevent reactions to alcohol or ingredients in alcoholic beverages. To avoid a reaction, avoid alcohol or the particular substance that causes your reaction. Alcohol intolerance can cause immediate, uncomfortable reactions after you drink alcohol.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors?
Common allergens in beer include gluten, histamine, sulfites, and yeast. 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. This can occur due to changes in enzyme production, such as reduced levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase, or due to other health conditions like does alcohol make you sneeze liver disease or medication side effects. Intolerance is different from an allergy and usually involves symptoms like flushing, nausea, or headache.
Why is my body rejecting alcohol?
- For those with Red Wine Allergies, the symptoms can be quite unpleasant and may last for several hours.
- Additionally, paying attention to the temperature of your coffee may also make a difference; allowing it to cool slightly before consumption can help reduce irritation.
- In addition, some people find that the alcohol in these drinks irritates their nose, leading to sneezing.
- In fact, a small 2014 study of Chinese people with a beer allergy found that sensitivity to sorghum or sorghum malt was the most common cause.
In this case, the ethanol isn’t the culprit, but rather another ingredient in your beverage, such as a fermented grain, preservative or other chemical. Additionally, some people may experience swelling of the lips, tongue and throat. Besides wines, fruits like bananas, kiwi, melons, and grapes can also contain sulfites, though in much smaller amounts. Alcohol consumption can lead to a stuffy nose due to the effect it has on your body. Alcohol is metabolized by enzymes in your liver, which convert ethanol into acetaldehyde.