Beer And Dry Noses: Is It Safe?

Many people experience nasal congestion after drinking beer. This could be due to an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to an ingredient in beer, such as gluten, wheat, hops, or yeast. Alcohol intolerance is a metabolic disorder that can cause nasal congestion and flushed skin. It occurs when the body doesn't effectively break down acetaldehyde, a molecule produced when the body metabolizes alcohol, into acetate. Additionally, alcohol causes vasodilation, or the expansion of blood vessels, which can lead to nasal congestion. To alleviate congestion, some people use OTC nasal sprays, antihistamines, or nasal steroids.

Alcohol intolerance

It is unclear whether it is okay to drink beer with a dry nasal passage. However, it is important to note that alcohol intolerance is a metabolic disorder that can cause discomfort and temporary reactions to alcohol, such as nasal congestion and flushed skin. This condition affects 30%-50% of people of East Asian descent and is often referred to as "Asian flush" or "Asian glow". While less common, people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds can also experience alcohol intolerance.

It is important to distinguish between alcohol intolerance and alcohol allergy. While alcohol intolerance is a digestive system disorder, an alcohol allergy is an immune system response to ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as grains, preservatives, or other chemicals. Allergic reactions to alcohol can cause similar symptoms to alcohol intolerance, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, runny nose, or stomach upset. These symptoms may be triggered by even a small amount of alcohol and are the result of the body creating antibodies against allergens.

If you are experiencing symptoms of alcohol intolerance or an allergic reaction, it is important to consult a doctor. The only way to avoid these symptoms is to abstain from alcohol or the specific beverage or ingredients that cause the problem. For minor reactions, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help reduce symptoms such as itching or hives. However, it is important to note that antihistamines do not reduce the critical risks associated with alcohol intolerance.

Histamine intolerance

The cause of histamine intolerance is often unclear, but it can be due to medications, gut conditions, or a deficiency in the protein diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down histamine. Low levels of DAO can be caused by genetics, kidney disease, or liver disease.

To diagnose histamine intolerance, doctors may recommend keeping a food diary, avoiding all high-histamine foods for a few weeks, and then slowly reintroducing them to identify any triggers. They may also suggest allergy testing or blood testing to check for high histamine levels, low DAO levels, or other irregularities.

The main treatment for histamine intolerance is a change in diet, avoiding high-histamine foods such as alcohol, fermented foods, processed meat, and aged cheeses. Fresh meat, freshly caught fish, gluten-free grains, dairy substitutes, and fresh vegetables (except tomatoes, avocados, spinach, and eggplant) are recommended. Antihistamines may also help reduce symptoms in the short term, and DAO supplements have shown some promise in managing the condition.

Nonallergic rhinitis

Triggers of Nonallergic Rhinitis

• Irritants in the air: Dust, smog, cigarette smoke, strong odors like perfumes, and chemical fumes.
• Weather changes: Fluctuations in temperature or humidity can trigger swelling in the lining of the nose, leading to a runny or stuffy nose.
• Infections: Viral illnesses such as the common cold or the flu can trigger nonallergic rhinitis.
• Foods and drinks: Spicy foods and drinking alcohol can irritate the tissue lining the inside of the nose, resulting in a stuffy nose.
• Medicines: Certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-blockers, and decongestant nasal sprays can trigger nonallergic rhinitis.
• Hormone changes: Pregnancy, menstrual cycles, birth control use, and thyroid problems (hypothyroidism) can contribute to nonallergic rhinitis.
• Sleep issues: Lying on your back while sleeping and acid reflux can trigger nonallergic rhinitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose nonallergic rhinitis, healthcare providers will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also conduct skin or blood tests to rule out allergies as the cause. Treatment options include:

• Saline nose sprays: These help moisturize and soothe the nose while thinning mucus.
• Antihistamine nasal sprays: While antihistamines taken orally may not be as effective for nonallergic rhinitis, nasal sprays can help ease symptoms.
• Ipratropium nose spray: This prescription spray can reduce a runny, drippy nose.
• Decongestants: These medicines narrow the blood vessels in the nose to reduce congestion but may have side effects like high blood pressure.
• Steroids: Steroid nose sprays can be prescribed if other treatments are ineffective. They help prevent and treat swelling associated with nonallergic rhinitis.
• Alternative treatments: Rinsing the nose with saline or saltwater solutions, using neti pots, and acupuncture have been suggested as possible treatments, but more research is needed.

Dehydration

• Urinating less frequently
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Headache
• Constipation
• Bad breath

To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink enough water to equal your water output. This can vary depending on factors such as age, climate, and level of physical activity. Older adults, for example, are at a higher risk of dehydration because their sense of thirst is not as apparent as it was when they were younger. Staying hydrated can help to prevent the thickening of mucus in the sinuses, reducing the risk of sinus infections.

In addition to dehydration, there are several other factors that can contribute to nasal congestion and sinus issues. These include:

• Allergies or allergic reactions to specific ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as gluten, hops, wheat, yeast, or histamines.
• Alcohol intolerance, which is a metabolic disorder that can cause nasal congestion and flushed skin. It is caused by ineffective or insufficient ALDH2 enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde (a byproduct of ethanol metabolism) into acetate.
• Environmental irritants, such as strong chemicals, intense scents, or smoke, which can upset the balance of mucus in the sinuses and make it thicker than usual.
• Medications, such as allergy medications (antihistamines), decongestants, and immunosuppressants, which can dry out the sinuses and nose.

Allergic rhinitis

The best treatment for allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergens that trigger symptoms. However, it may be impossible to avoid all allergens. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines can also help treat mild allergic rhinitis. Nasal washes with a saline solution can also help remove mucus from the nose.

In terms of alcohol consumption, it is important to note that alcoholic beverages can contain common allergens such as gluten, hops, wheat, and yeast. Additionally, alcohol has a natural vasodilatory effect, which can expand blood vessels and contribute to nasal congestion. Alcoholic beverages also contain histamines, which can trigger allergy-like reactions, including a stuffy nose.

Therefore, if you are experiencing allergic rhinitis, it is generally not advisable to drink beer or other alcoholic beverages, as they may worsen your symptoms. However, if you choose to consume alcohol, it is recommended to take a supplement to reduce acetaldehyde buildup and intolerance symptoms, which can help prevent nasal congestion.

Frequently asked questions