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Has wine ever caused you to sneeze? Or have another allergic reaction?

By September 15, 2008 - 9:54am
 
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Some people swear that drinking wine causes an allergic reaction, ranging from sneezing and congestion to headaches. To read more, click here.

Have you ever had this type of reaction to wine? Did you stop drinking it because of your reaction? What keeps you drinking wine if it makes you feel miserable?

Add a Comment10 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I also am thrown into a sneezing fit after only a glass or two, sometimes episodes can last over half an hour, not good when on a night out and you're trapped in the ladies loo, because you can't stop sneezing and your make up is all over your face. It began with just White wine but now it's with both, very frustrating but I battle through and continue with exposure therapy

January 6, 2017 - 2:50pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I also have sneezing fits when I drink white wine (which is what i usually drink) but it also happens with all alcohol I drink (beer or spirits) after a number of drinks. Don't know why but I probably drink to much :>

February 15, 2012 - 5:02pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I sneeze when I drink wine which is strong in flavour, eat mints, cough syrup and dark chocolate. What do these all have in common?

August 5, 2011 - 3:37pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I sneeze with both red wine and with cough syrup. I'm not sure what the two have in common? I'm fine with other types of alcohol.

December 4, 2010 - 2:32pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I sneeze ONCE every time I drink my first glass of white or red, quality or cheap wine. I also have some nasal congestion. I love wine and am willing to put up with it.

May 13, 2010 - 1:19pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I only have sneezing fits when drinking cheap sulphur-filled wines.
Another great reason to stick to quality wines.

February 12, 2010 - 3:58am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Be careful, it is not sulfur but sulfates or sulfa you are allergic to. They are different substances. Sulfa or Sulfates are a preservative in things like shampoos, foods, wines etc.

February 12, 2010 - 2:21pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

yes, i often have sneezing fits (8 or 9 sneezes in a row) when drinking white wine. it's not that bad and it was actually a friend who drew it to my attention.

it makes me wonder though as i've had a troubled history with wine - i crave it, drink too much of it and can feel it altering me as soon as i have a first sip.

the AA contention is that alcoholics have an (undiscovered) allergy to alcohol and i think i can relate to that but at the same time it's a bit weird cos no one who has an allergy to, say, strawberries, reports the same cravings.

January 1, 2010 - 5:05am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Actually, from my understanding people that are allergic and/or intolerant/sensitive to certain foods will crave more of the food they are sensitive to. This is especially true with isolated sugars/sweeteners from various sources (vs. an ingredient as part of a natural whole food like fruit). Also, this is the case for those wheat intolerant, sensitive to potatoes, and dairy. Of course, I have observed this with those sensitive to tomatoes too.

One of the tell tell signs of food intolerance IS the cravings- the "GOT" to have it kind of thing. This combined with eating the food frequently is a strong indicator of the possibility, as I am understanding anyhow.

June 24, 2010 - 8:47pm

"Allergic reactions to alcoholic beverages are uncommon, but have been described. By contrast, non-allergic adverse reactions to alcohol such as flushing, irritant reactions, toxic reactions and psychological effects are more common." Source: AllerygyCapital.com

I do know people who seem to have some sort of adverse reaction to red wine, including my husband (complains of headaches and will only drink white wine).

There were some other interesting articles I found, as well:


Wine tainted with venom triggers allergic reactions
Roxanne Khamsi, 15 August 2007, NewScientist.com news service

Wine Allergy? Insects May Be to Blame Miranda Hitti, WebMD Health News

yikes!

September 16, 2008 - 4:28pm
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