Why do I get a stuffy nose after drinking?

Getting a stuffy nose after drinking alcohol is not completely uncommon. In fact, a number of reasons can cause this reaction. So why is this reaction happening to you and how can you stop it?

Stuffy nose after drinking is likely caused by alcohol intolerance

Alcohol intolerance is caused by a genetic condition where your body is unable to properly break down alcohol. People with alcohol intolerance can experience allergy symptoms and lead them to believe they have an alcohol allergy. This is likely not true! A true allergy to alcohol is extremely rare, but alcohol intolerance is much more common.

Getting a stuffy nose after drinking is a common symptom of alcohol intolerance, along with facial flushing, headaches, hives or generally feeling hot. Because many of these symptoms mimic those of an allergic reaction, many believe that this much is an alcohol allergy. However, it’s much more likely that you have some level of alcohol intolerance instead.

Other causes for a stuffy nose after drinking

Illness or prior medical condition

If you’re currently fighting some type of sinus infection, cold, flu, etc, alcohol could likely make those symptoms much worse. So while alcohol isn’t causing the symptoms, it certainly doesn’t make them any more.

Food allergy to an ingredient

Another cause for this reaction could be a food allergy. This happens when you are allergic to an ingredient used in the alcohol beverage, rather than being allergic to the alcohol itself. If this is the case, you’ll find that certain drinks will make your stuffy nose worse, such as wine and beer, but other drinks won’t give you a reaction. It all depends on the ingredients, rather than the alcohol.

If the cause was alcohol intolerance, the alcohol itself is what’s starting a negative reaction. If it’s only a certain type of drink, it may be the ingredients in that specific drink instead.

Histamine

Histamine can also be the culprit behind negative symptoms and alcohol. Many drinks, like beer and wine, have histamine which is a natural chemical that sets off allergic reactions. If you are particularly sensitive to histamine, it could be enough to start getting allergy-like symptoms. Red wine is a big trigger for many people.

How can I stop getting a stuffy nose after drinking?

Thankfully, there are a few options you can try if you get nasal congestion after drinking alcohol.

If the cause is due to alcohol intolerance, you can try using an alcohol intolerance relief product. These products are designed specifically to help the body break down alcohol quicker so you experience less negative symptoms in the meantime. Because alcohol intolerance is often referred to “Asian Flush” the products will likely have this in their marketing or branding. Here at Asian Flush Cure, we’ve tested and reviewed numerous products that can help alcohol intolerance, including getting a stuff nose after drinking alcohol.

Make sure to check out our Asian Flush relief product reviews before you buy them yourself. While these products can help reduce your symptoms, they are certainly not all made equal. The most common methods are Asian Flush pills, Asian Flush patches, or even an Asian Flush drink.

Asian Flush will eventually stop by itself, but it could take a few hours since your last drink.

If you get a stuffy nose from drinking because of a particular ingredient, it’s important to avoid drinks that contain that element. For instance, if you’re allergic to the hops, rye or wheat in beer, it’s really vital that you avoid drinking beer and choose a different drink instead.

If you’re not sure what you’re allergic to, you can visit your doctor or allergic specialist. A simple skin prick test can help determine what you are allergic to, without having to guess yourself.