Sinusitis Sufferer's Guide: Beer Drinking Days Are Over

Many people experience sinus issues after drinking beer. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, occur when fluid builds up in the sinuses, allowing germs to grow. Symptoms of sinusitis include discoloured nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness or congestion, tenderness of the face, and headaches. Alcohol intolerance can cause uncomfortable reactions after drinking, including a stuffy nose and skin flushing. Beer contains histamines, gluten, hops, wheat, and yeast, which can cause negative reactions in some people, such as sneezing and a stuffy nose. In addition, alcohol has a natural vasodilatory effect, expanding blood vessels and leading to short-term nasal congestion.

Alcohol intolerance

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of alcohol intolerance include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Skin flushing, especially on the face
• Rapid heart rate
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Hives
• Stomach pain

It is worth noting that these symptoms can also be indicative of an allergic reaction to alcohol or an ingredient in an alcoholic beverage, such as grains, chemicals, or preservatives.

Causes

Complications

Ignoring the symptoms of alcohol intolerance and continuing to drink alcohol can lead to major health problems, including:

• Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and liver
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Migraines
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure or specific treatment for alcohol intolerance. The only way to prevent uncomfortable reactions is to avoid alcohol or the particular substance that triggers the intolerance. For minor reactions, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help reduce symptoms such as itching or hives. However, it is important to consult a doctor if you experience severe symptoms or if your symptoms seem to be linked to an allergy or medication.

Allergies and asthma

The link between allergies and asthma is well-established. Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting the body's immune system. When an allergen is present, the body's immune system identifies it as harmful and overreacts by releasing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This response can trigger inflammation and swelling of the airways, making it harder to breathe and potentially causing an asthma flare-up or attack.

Beer contains various ingredients that can act as allergens, such as grains (corn, wheat, or rye), yeast, and preservatives. For individuals with allergic asthma, consuming beer with these allergens can trigger an asthma attack. The symptoms of an allergic asthma attack include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and itchy or watery eyes.

It is important to note that not everyone who has allergies will develop asthma, and vice versa. However, for those with allergic asthma, managing both conditions is crucial. This involves identifying triggers, avoiding or limiting exposure, and following a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare provider.

If you suspect that consuming beer triggers your allergies and asthma, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as an allergist, who can conduct tests to identify specific allergens and provide guidance on managing your condition effectively.

Sinus infections

Symptoms

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Headache
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)
• Discolored nasal discharge (greenish in color)
• Tenderness of the face, particularly under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Coughing
• Tooth pain
• Bad breath
• Bad smell in the nose or bad taste in the mouth

Treatment

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. In fact, the CDC recommends against the use of antibiotics for many sinus infections, as they can cause harm without providing any benefit. Instead, the following treatments can be used:

• Warm compress over the nose and forehead
• Decongestant or saline nasal spray
• Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower
• Over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers, antihistamines, or decongestants

However, if your symptoms do not improve within 10 days, or if they worsen, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to correct anatomical defects or remove growths, such as nasal polyps.

Prevention

To prevent sinus infections, it is important to maintain good overall health and avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections. Additionally, avoiding smoke, washing your hands frequently, and staying away from allergens can help reduce the risk of sinus infections.

Sinus irrigation

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Prepare the saline solution. You can either purchase a pre-made solution or make your own at home. If making your own, mix one or two cups of distilled boiled water with 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt. Avoid using iodized salt, including table salt.
• Get yourself positioned correctly. Stand or lean over a sink, looking down. Tilt your head sideways so that one ear is towards the sink and the other is towards the ceiling.
• Breathe through your mouth and place the spout of the saline-filled container (such as a neti pot or squeeze bottle) inside your top nostril.
• Tilt the container or squeeze the bottle so that the saline solution flows through your top nostril and out the bottom one.
• Blow your nose to get rid of any remaining solution or mucus.
• Repeat the process on the other side.
• Clean the container after use. If using a neti pot or rinse bottle, wash it in the sink and let it air dry on a clean towel.

Some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Do not use tap water for nasal irrigation. It is not adequately filtered or treated and may contain bacteria or other organisms that can cause infection. Instead, use distilled, sterile, or boiled water.
• Do not attempt nasal irrigation if you have clogged ears or an ear infection.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about the safety of nasal irrigation for your specific situation.

Nasal irrigation can be an effective way to find relief from sinus issues and improve your breathing. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use the correct type of water to avoid any potential risks or complications.

Alcohol flush

It is unclear how sinusitis is related to the inability to drink beer. However, sinusitis and alcohol consumption are linked. Alcohol can inflame the sinuses, and drinking alcohol can trigger migraines in some people. This is known as an alcohol flush reaction, which is a type of alcohol intolerance.

This reaction is characterised by a red face, or a flush, but it can also be accompanied by hives, nausea, low blood pressure, a worsening of asthma, or a migraine. It is caused by an accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic molecule produced during alcohol metabolism.

Causes

The alcohol flush reaction is predominantly caused by inherited variations in certain genes, which result in the inefficient metabolism of alcohol. This is more common among people of East Asian ancestry, with approximately 30-50% of Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans displaying this reaction to alcohol. However, people of other races and ethnicities can also carry these genetic variations.

Health Risks

The alcohol flush reaction is linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer, particularly esophageal cancer. This is due to the carcinogenic nature of acetaldehyde. People who experience this reaction and continue to drink alcohol are at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the alcohol flush reaction is to avoid drinking alcohol or limit alcohol intake. Antihistamines and certain over-the-counter medications are sometimes suggested as ways to reduce the flushing, but these do not block the damaging effects of acetaldehyde. In fact, they may increase the risk of cancer by enabling higher levels of alcohol consumption and, consequently, higher acetaldehyde production.

Frequently asked questions