Because alcohol is a carcinogen, drinking already increases cancer risk. Studies show that people with the alcohol intolerance gene are up to eight times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than people without it. They are also up to 12 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population. However, Pepcid and other H2 blockers only mask the symptoms of alcohol intolerance. Although you may be able to drink more alcohol, your body will still struggle to metabolize it. Large amounts of the toxic byproduct acetaldehyde will continue building up in your body.

• In a pool, this might mean not noticing it’s too shallow to dive safely.
• Studies also suggest that drinking alcohol with the ALDH2 deficiency makes you more susceptible to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Studies show that red and white wine are more likely to create nasal congestion symptoms, so avoiding this type of alcohol may help.
• If you have histamine intolerance, you lack a digestive enzyme called diamine oxidase, which helps your body break down excess histamine.
• The belief is that alcohol makes the blood vessels expand creating a better environment for the mucus membrane to release the infection.
• This inflammation can lead to swelling in the nasal passages, making it harder to breathe freely.
• This practice helps keep fluid levels balanced and reduces the likelihood of experiencing dehydration-related symptoms.

Alcohol intolerance

This is especially evident on the surface of the skin and is why people tend to get more flushed or red when they drink alcohol. Sinus congestion that clears up within a day or so after drinking alcohol typically poses no cause for concern. You might try switching the type or brand of alcoholic beverage you typically Alcoholics Anonymous drink or the foods you eat along with your drink to see if you can avoid this unpleasant symptom.

• Sunset works with the body to break down alcohol quickly and effectively, so you don’t experience the negative symptoms.
• However, when you snort beer, the alcohol goes straight into your bloodstream without being processed, resulting in a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
• The good news is that alcohol intolerance isn’t too much of a concern.
• You can also try over-the-counter nasal sprays or take supplements to reduce acetaldehyde buildup and intolerance symptoms.
• It could also be that alcohol has a natural side effect to make people congested.
• This enzyme is produced from a gene but when, this gene is absent in the body, there is a lack of enzymes which leads to breaking down of alcohol but in an incomplete way.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors?

This pertains particularly to liquid cold medicines and mouthwashes.8 Ethanol avoidance includes avoiding ingesting and (depending on an individual’s history) mouth-washing with such agents. Now that you know the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ causes of stuffy nose on drinking alcohol, you need to be aware of the possible treatment options to get rid of the stuffy nose. Some allergies develop over time and when it comes to alcohol, few things are bound to occur.

Medical Professionals

• Most people have an allergic reaction to the histamines in wine, which causes flushing of the face and neck and nasal congestion.
• However, they may avoid alcohol that has given them the most problems in the past (perhaps red wine).
• The ALDH2 deficiency that causes alcohol intolerance is a genetic mutation.
• Read beverage labels to see whether they contain ingredients or additives you know cause a reaction, such as sulfites or certain grains.

In and around water this could be the difference between life and death. In a pool, this might mean not noticing it’s too shallow to dive safely. In natural waterways, this might mean not noticing a strong river current or a rip current at the beach. The level of PSA in the blood can provide valuable information about prostate health.

However, if you have a serious reaction or severe pain, see your doctor. Also, if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or a medication you’re taking, see your doctor. Unfortunately for wine-lovers, there’s a lot of things in wine that can cause negative reactions or intolerances. Authorities regularly warn about the dangers of alcohol intoxication and being near the water.

Intravenous infusion or inhalation of ethanol also caused bronchospasm responses in the male subject. These studies suggested that alcohol itself caused the asthmatic symptoms triggered by alcoholic beverages. Taking Pepcid before drinking is a popular strategy for preventing the alcohol flush reaction. Pepcid is a histamine-2 (H2) blocker that can reduce symptoms of alcohol intolerance like flushing, allowing people to drink more before their reaction forces them to stop. In some cases, alcohol can have an impact on nasal health without having an impact on enzymes or immune receptors. This can lead to dehydration which, in turn, thickens the mucus membranes in the body leading to nasal congestion.

This means that while enjoying a drink, the body might lose more fluids than it takes in. Dehydration is one of the primary culprits behind congestion after drinking. Other possible triggers congested after drinking alcohol include strong smells and exposure to cold air, among others. Typical symptoms include a runny nose and congestion, which might be accompanied by postnasal drip, headache and/or a dry cough. We have plenty of reasons on alcohol intolerances, allergies and what to do next.

The belief is that alcohol makes the blood vessels expand creating a better environment for the mucus membrane to release the infection. Because most research on the subject is directed at the impact alcohol has when interfering with body systems, there is not much medical research to support this remedy. “Alcohol sensitivity” is a term that some people use synonymously with alcohol intolerance. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic condition involving pain, insomnia, and severe fatigue that does not improve with rest. A 2023 study found that individuals with CFS are more likely to experience alcohol intolerance.