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Why should asthma patients avoid drinking wine?
Wine, beer and cider can aggravate asthma symptoms due to sulfites, histamine and alcohol, which can cause inflammation in the airways, interfere with medications and cause breathing difficulties.
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Image – Canva
while a glass Liquor Often celebrated for its health benefits, it may pose significant risks to individuals asthmacompounds like sulfites And histaminesCommonly found in wine (especially red wine), are known to trigger asthma symptoms. These substances can aggravate mild symptoms and potentially cause more serious reactions in asthma patients.
It’s not just wine-beer And cider Asthma symptoms may also flare up in people already diagnosed. So, before you drink a pound of beer or taste a sip of premium wine, consider how it may affect your health if you have asthma.
Why should asthma patients avoid wine?
Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition involving inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Triggering factors may be environmental or dietary. Managing triggers is an important factor in maintaining lung health and preventing exacerbations for asthma patients. Although wine, especially red wine, has been praised as a health promoter in limited quantities, it poses special risks to asthma patients and requires caution.
Sulfites in Wine
A major problem for asthma patients who drink alcohol is sulfites. Sulfites are chemical preservatives added to wine to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. For some people, especially asthmatics, sulfites can cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It is estimated that 3% to 10% of asthma patients are sensitive to sulfites, making alcohol consumption dangerous for this group.
Histamine and Allergic Reactions
Histamines are naturally occurring compounds in red wine. These are byproducts of fermentation, and they cause symptoms that can resemble an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. In asthma patients, histamine may be more severe. inflammation of the airways And difficulty breathing.
Alcohol and Airway Reactivity
Alcohol itself may be a vasodilator, which may increase airway reactivity. In some individuals, alcohol can worsen asthma symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. This is considered especially important in people who have impaired respiratory function.
Interactions with asthma medications
Many asthma patients rely on bronchodilators and corticosteroids to treat asthma. The alcohol in wine may interfere with the metabolism of these medications, reducing their effectiveness. Alcohol can also increase the side effects of some asthma medications, such as dizziness or nausea, which can make the disease harder to control.
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asthma
Liquor
histamines
red wine
beer
cider
inflammation of the airways
sulfites