Menu Close

How Alcohol Impacts Your Sinuses

why do i get congested when i drink beer

The chemicals in alcoholic beverages can damage the cells in these areas and increase the likelihood of cancerous growth. Smoking while drinking also increases the risk of throat cancer. There are various reasons why a person may develop a sore throat after drinking.

How do I get rid of mucus in my throat?

why do i get congested when i drink beer

First, I emailed some experts to see what they had to say about alcohol allergies. You might want to check out this blog I wrote about food intolerances vs food allergies to understand the subject more. Red wine tends to have higher levels of histamine than white wine or beer. Unlike a vitamin deficiency, the low production of the ALDH2 enzymes can not be replenished with medication or diet.

why do i get congested when i drink beer

Will drinking warm beer help loosen mucus?

  • Most colds will go away on their own within a week or two, but in some cases, medical intervention may be necessary.
  • These include hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme), which are mucus thinners inhaled through a nebulizer.
  • What’s more concerning, however, is that some medications can lead to uncomfortable (even dangerous) side effects when combined with alcohol.
  • Histamine intolerance may cause a reaction when you drink beer.

That runny or stuffy nose you get if you’re intolerant to alcohol may feel and seem like allergies, but it’s not. As we now know, alcohol intolerance is an issue with metabolizing alcohol — not an overzealous immune system. For instance, beer and wine contain high levels of histamine, which can also contribute to a runny nose or nasal congestion. Or, why do i get congested when i drink beer maybe you’re sensitive to sulfites or other chemicals in alcoholic beverages, resulting in nausea or headaches.

why do i get congested when i drink beer

Causes of Stuffy Nose on Drinking Alcohol

Other genetically determined variations in the first enzyme involved in alcohol breakdown can cause similar symptoms in people of non-Asian descent, although this is less common. Sunset Alcohol Flush Support is a natural supplement that works specifically to reduce all of these symptoms, including a stuffy nose after drinking alcohol. Sunset works with the body to break down alcohol quickly and effectively, so you don’t experience the negative symptoms. “Alcohol intolerance is a way of your body informing you that it is rejecting what is being put in it to process,” Sheila Shilati, PsyD, COO of rehab facility Seasons, tells Bustle. 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. People often call alcohol intolerance an alcohol allergy, and vice versa.

Strep Throat or Group A Streptococcus (GAS): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Remedies

why do i get congested when i drink beer

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent a cold, a healthy diet can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals that support your body’s natural defenses. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can also help protect your cells from damage caused by viruses and other pathogens. Gas and bloating have a lot of other possible causes, though, so for a more certain diagnosis, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. While nobody feels great after having one too many drinks, somebody with an alcohol intolerance may feel sick right away. “The first sign of alcohol intolerance is usually the general feeling of malaise and discomfort or not feeling well from as little as one drink,” Mansour says.