I have severe asthma and in the last year or so I have had increasing problems with alcohol (particularly wine) giving me exacerbated asthma symptoms.
I heard that some wines have higher levels of sulfites which can given some people symptoms.
Sometimes it effects me really quickly and sometimes I have no problems at all it seems to differ on brands aswell. It’s a bit tricky atm because I don’t really know if a drink is going to set me off until I drink it and it sets in.
I’m 20 years old and a student. I obviously realise that just not drinking is an option however it would be nice if I could find a drink I know is “safe”.
Has anyone had a similar problem?
Thanks.
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asthmaticclimber
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I discovered I had issues with most alcoholic drinks whilst I was at uni and for me the easiest thing was just to stop drinking (wasn’t a fan anyway tbh 😅)
It’s sulphites (wine) and histamines (beer/cider) that I think most people have issues with when drinking (or the respiratory depression part of you are uncontrolled). It doesn’t necessarily mean both either! I think some people say they are ok with things like spirits (vodka etc), and maybe whiskey etc can be ok too (Tho as I said I took the easier route and stopped) if you do want to investigate the best way is to probably try and stick to one type of alcohol per night and find the one that gives you issues. Then experiment with brands etc.
I am soooo glad to read this post, I have convinced myself for years that I have an allergy to alcohol as I am the same with most kinds, (not all) even alcopops. I saw an immunologist about it (a bad one, sadly) and they just laughed at me and said we don't test for that. I get reactions from foods containing alcohol and also other things containing sulphates. But I have never been taken seriously despite the massive impact it has. I felt I must just be weird to have these reactions from such minor amounts (sips!!)
I always drank heavily in my teens and had no issues at all. Now I'm 28 and avoid it as much as possible but I would really love to find out what it is and why.
I take 180 fexofenadine for other allergies but it doesn't help me in this situation.
I’m the same, I find I can’t drink a glass of white wine without feeling like my hearts racing, nowadays I tend to have a white wine spritzer, always the same brand and that seems to work.
I have been looking into this as having been a regular white wine and processo drinker I have found that over the last 7-8 weeks as my asthma has worsened (I think its the weather and post a virus - maybe Covid) I can't drink it without wheezing a little. Apparently, organic wine has less sulphites as no additional sulphites are added during the making of it, unlike mass produced wine. However, the fermentation process means that some are naturally created, even on Organic wine, hence why mainly all wines have 'contains sulphates' on the bottle. So look for organic wine but also 'Natural' wine which contains little or no sulphites, but no idea where you get that other than specialist website....
I drink organic wine that is better for this. At home I cant even be in the room with someone with a drink at the moment. I hate gin but if someone else is drinking it, it’s probably my least trigger. I find open spaces help for me it’s definitely worse in confined space. Whiskey is definitely the worst full on asthma attack. Hope you find something you can drink. Good luck!
I gave up drinking completely as it was like Russian roulette and just not worth being ill. It impacted being able to study, sit exams, work, meet deadlines etc. Became very popular as the designated driver.
There are so many alternatives these days to wine and beer it's easier, and safer, to choose something else.
Do you tolerate products such as: aged cheese, pickles, smoked foods and legumes?
If not, could be you have a histamine intolerance going on.
Another possibility is increased gut permeability driving your asthma symptoms.
Since I assume you have excluded any allergies, my best guess would be that something in your gut is not quite right. Many asthma actually lie in the gut not the immune or respiratory system.
I’m a vegan so wouldn’t know about cheese, I’m really bad with smoky things and legumes are ok.
I also have eczema and hay fever and previously the histamine thing has been raised to me. How does one go about getting tested for something like that? (I’m in UK)
I have IBS aswell so would not be suprised if my gut was a bit weird!
Thanks to everyone for their replies and suggestions!
Your GP can run blood tests, but not at the present time due to the Covid situation. In the meantime you could keep a food diary and write in any symptoms you get. That way you can narrow down the foods you think might be affecting you.
That's exactly what I am suspecting ...that alcohol is not the issue. Although it is certainly not good for you. Any amount is bad in the grand scheme of things.
Do you also get bloated often?
How do you tolerate onions and garlic?
Like Poobah Ive given up completely, it’s just not worth it, tho I used to enjoy it. I can tolerate a g&t but that’s about it & I don’t really want it so why bother. My fave drink is a lime juice & soda, (lots of lime.) Tasty, thirst quenching & very very cheap
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