The alcoholic drinks that could make your hay fever worse this summer
The weather right now may be quite amazing, but the reality is that it can also be pretty hard on others. When you combine hot temperatures with a large amount of pollen, then it’s creating a challenging time for hay fever sufferers.
This is the primary reason why you may want to try and find a way to eliminate those things that make your hay fever symptoms worse. Alfresco drinks are refreshing in this heat, but there are some types of alcohol that can make things worse for hay fever sufferers.
For example, staying away from a pint and opting for a gin and tonic is a better option.
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A study from Asthma UK shows that around 64% of all people have symptoms triggered by certain types of alcohol. For example, celebrity Stephen Fry has mentioned that he enjoys drinking champagne in moderation, as excessive use will trigger his asthma symptoms.
What about hay fever and asthma?
You need to realize that there are some similarities between hay fever and allergic asthma. Both of these are triggered by an allergen, for example pollen. And if you have allergic asthma, those same allergens can cause an asthma attack.
Will some drinks be better than others?
Please note that Asthma UK clearly states that the substances included in these drinks lead to issues, not the alcohol itself. A thing to keep in mind here is that many drinks contain histamine. This is a substance that, when released in your body, can lead to various allergic symptoms. It can sometimes result in asthma symptoms or it can worsen the effects of hay fever.
But these are not the only bad substances. Sulphites that are included in drinks such as wine can also worsen asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Whenever you want a refreshing drink during the summer, opt for one that has less or no histamines and sulphites. Cider as well as white wines tend to be problematic as they contain a higher concentration sulphites. In terms of histamine, you should avoid beer and red wine.
Clear spirits such as vodka and gin are better because they contain low amounts of sulphite and histamine.
Of course, the overall triggers can change. If you believe a certain drink may worsen your asthma or allergic rhinitis, it is important to stay away from it. We also recommend you to visit your local allergist so you can find the right treatments for hay fever.
