Beer And Nasal Congestion: What's The Link?

Drinking beer is a common pastime for many, but for some, it can come with an unwanted side effect: a stuffy nose. This phenomenon is known as alcohol intolerance, and it's caused by a variety of factors, including a genetic condition that prevents the body from breaking down alcohol efficiently, or an allergy to ingredients commonly found in beer, such as gluten, hops, wheat, or yeast. In rare cases, a stuffy nose after drinking beer could be a sign of a more serious disorder, so it's important to be aware of other symptoms and consult a doctor if necessary. Interestingly, there is also a trend of people choosing to inhale alcohol through their noses, either by drinking it through their nose or by snorting liquid alcohol, which is known as a chilly willy. However, this practice is not recommended due to the lack of research on its effects and the potential risks involved, including acute alcohol intoxication and damage to the sensitive skin inside the nose.

Allergies and intolerances

Beer allergies are rare, and you may actually have an intolerance to beer or one of its ingredients. Beer contains many ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction, including:

• Malt barley
• Brewer's yeast
• Hops
• Assorted flavorings
• Wheat
• Gluten
• Histamines
• Sulfites
• Yeast

If you have an allergy or intolerance, the best treatment is avoidance. If you are allergic to barley, for example, you should avoid other foods and drinks that contain this ingredient.

If you have an alcohol intolerance, your body cannot effectively break down alcohol. Alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition, not an allergy to the ingredients in beer. The only solution is to completely avoid alcohol.

If you have a histamine intolerance, your body cannot break down histamine from food, which then enters the bloodstream and causes symptoms. Beer contains histamine, which is produced during fermentation when yeast converts sugars to alcohol.

If you have a sulfite allergy, you may experience symptoms such as asthma and allergic rhinitis when drinking beer.

Histamines in beer

Histamines are chemicals produced by the human body and are found in nearly all tissues. They are responsible for several functions, including communicating messages to the brain, releasing stomach acid for digestion, and helping the body get rid of allergens or injuries. While the body naturally produces histamine, it is also consumed through food and drink.

Histamine intolerance occurs when the body develops too much histamine. Symptoms of histamine intolerance include those similar to a common allergic response, such as sneezing, hives, headaches, nausea, and digestive issues.

Histamine is a direct product of the fermentation and ageing processes used in winemaking. Wine can cause a histamine release, and it has been found that red wine affects histamines significantly more than white wine. Red wine generally has between 20–200% more histamine than white wine due to the higher levels of tannin, another potential irritant. Histamine levels in wine are typically below the threshold that would cause a reaction in most allergy sufferers. However, some people are allergic to the sulphites in wine, and their bodies naturally produce histamines in reaction to their intake.

Beer also contains histamines, with levels ranging from 21 to 305 micrograms per litre. All alcoholic beverages can be problematic for people with histamine intolerance because alcohol can inhibit the effectiveness of DAO, one of the enzymes the body uses to process histamine.

If you are experiencing nasal congestion after drinking beer, it could be due to an intolerance to histamines or other ingredients in beer, such as gluten, hops, wheat, or yeast. It is recommended to observe your body's response after drinking and consult a healthcare professional if you frequently encounter these symptoms.

Alcohol flush

The alcohol flush reaction is particularly common among individuals of East Asian descent, with approximately 30-50% of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean individuals experiencing this condition. It is estimated that nearly 540 million people worldwide are affected by the alcohol flush response.

The accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body triggers a range of physiological effects, including facial flushing, an increased heart rate, nausea, headaches, and general physical discomfort. The flushing occurs due to the dilation of facial blood vessels, causing skin discolouration. This can vary in appearance depending on skin tone, from visible reddening on lighter skin to discolouration or darkening on darker skin.

In addition to the cosmetic effects, the alcohol flush reaction can also indicate an increased risk of certain health issues. Individuals who experience facial flushing after drinking alcohol are more likely to have high blood pressure and are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly cancer of the throat or oesophagus.

The alcohol flush reaction is a result of a genetic variant in the ALDH2 enzyme, specifically the ALDH2*2 variant, which is prevalent among East Asians. This genetic variant impairs the body's ability to break down acetaldehyde, leading to its accumulation and the associated symptoms.

While the flushing itself is not dangerous, it is a sign of high alcohol sensitivity and the potential presence of other adverse health effects. To prevent the flush and reduce associated health risks, it is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol intake.

Snorting beer

When you drink beer, the alcohol is diluted by the stomach and liver, which contain an enzyme that breaks down the ethanol. This prevents you from getting intoxicated too quickly. However, when you snort beer, the alcohol goes straight into your bloodstream without being processed, resulting in a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This can lead to acute alcohol intoxication, commonly known as alcohol poisoning, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In addition to the increased risk of alcohol poisoning, snorting beer can also damage the sensitive skin and mucous membranes inside your nose. It can also increase your risk of developing infections such as pneumonia and cause difficulty breathing.

Some people may be tempted to try snorting beer because of claims that it is calorie- and hangover-free, efficient, and a novelty. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.

If you or someone you know is considering snorting beer, it is crucial to be aware of the dangers and health risks involved. It is important to remember that there is no safe way to snort alcohol, and the safest way to consume alcohol is by drinking it in moderation. If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or that of a loved one, there are resources and treatment options available to help.

Preventing nasal congestion

Drinking beer can lead to nasal congestion due to various factors, such as an allergy or intolerance to ingredients in the beer, or the natural vasodilatory effect of alcohol causing the blood vessels around the nasal cavity to expand. While it may not be possible to prevent congestion entirely, there are several strategies that can help alleviate the symptoms:

Identify and Avoid Problematic Ingredients

If you suspect an allergy or intolerance to specific ingredients in beer, such as gluten, wheat, or yeast, try avoiding those ingredients and opt for alcoholic beverages that don't contain them.

Take Supplements

Consider taking supplements designed to reduce acetaldehyde buildup and intolerance symptoms, such as Sunset Alcohol Flush Support, which can help prevent nasal congestion caused by alcohol.

Keep Nasal Passages Moist

Dry air can irritate the nasal passages, so it's important to keep them moist. Use a humidifier or vaporizer, take long showers, or breathe in steam from a pot of warm water. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help thin out mucus and prevent blocked sinuses.

Nasal Sprays and Rinses

Nasal saline sprays can help keep your nasal passages moist and prevent them from drying out. Additionally, you can try using a neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe with distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water to flush out and moisten the nostrils.

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be effective in clearing nasal congestion. Decongestants help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and come in the form of nasal sprays (e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine) or pills (e.g., pseudoephedrine). Antihistamines are useful if your congestion is due to allergies, as they block the allergic reaction. However, be cautious when using decongestants, as prolonged use without medical supervision can worsen congestion.

Frequently asked questions