Why does my nose get stuffy every time I drink alcohol?

Blocked nasal passages after drinking alcohol may be caused by alcohol irritation, allergic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, or other reasons.

1. Alcohol Irritation

Drinking alcohol may accelerate systemic blood circulation, leading to swelling and congestion of the nasal turbinates, resulting in nasal obstruction. Symptoms typically improve gradually once the alcohol is metabolized and no specific treatment is required.

2. Allergic Rhinitis

If you have allergic rhinitis, drinking may worsen swelling of the nasal mucosa and increase fluid exudation, blocking the nasal passages and causing congestion. This may also be accompanied by sneezing, runny nose, and tearing. Under medical guidance, medications such as loratadine tablets, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets can be used to relieve nasal congestion.

3. Acute Rhinitis

If you have acute rhinitis, drinking may exacerbate inflammation, causing nasal mucosal congestion and edema that leads to nasal blockage. Additional symptoms may include sneezing, nasal itching, and a burning sensation inside the nose. Follow your doctor’s instructions to take antibiotics such as azithromycin tablets, levofloxacin tablets, or amoxicillin capsules to reduce inflammation and relieve nasal obstruction.

4. Sinusitis

If you have sinusitis, drinking alcohol may worsen the inflammation, causing nasal mucosal swelling and congestion, leading to nasal blockage. Other symptoms may include impaired sense of smell, headache, and fever. Under medical supervision, anti-inflammatory medications such as Shuangxin Rhinitis Granules, loratadine, or Danxiang Rhinitis Tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.

5. Nasal Polyps

Alcohol irritation may cause nasal polyps to swell further, blocking the nasal passage and making breathing difficult. Symptoms may also include tearing, difficulty breathing, and facial pain. Under a doctor’s guidance, corticosteroid nasal sprays such as triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray, fluticasone propionate nasal spray, or budesonide nasal spray can be used to shrink or eliminate polyps.

Patients are advised to stop drinking immediately, pay attention to diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital. A nasal examination should be performed, and appropriate treatment should be selected according to medical advice.