A sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis, is typically a symptom of an underlying viral or bacterial infection causing inflammation in the pharynx. It is generally not recommended to consume wine or any other alcoholic beverage when experiencing a sore throat. Alcohol and its properties can directly worsen symptoms and interfere with the body’s healing process, as the contents of wine, from its alcohol to its natural acidity, act as irritants to already sensitive throat tissue.
How Alcohol and Acidity Irritate the Throat
The ethanol present in wine is a solvent that exerts a direct chemical effect on the delicate mucous membranes lining the throat. Alcohol aggressively strips away moisture from the tissue, which is already inflamed and sensitive. This solvent action triggers specialized pain-sensing nerves, resulting in a burning sensation and intensifying the feeling of rawness.
Wine also possesses a low pH, meaning it is highly acidic, with most varieties ranging from approximately 2.5 to 4.5 on the pH scale. This level of acidity disrupts the cellular integrity of the throat’s protective lining. The low pH contributes to irritation and inflammation, similar to abrasive friction on the already tender tissue.
Furthermore, alcohol can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle separating the stomach and esophagus) to relax. This relaxation increases the likelihood of stomach acid backing up into the throat, a condition known as acid reflux. Introducing wine, especially highly acidic white wines, can therefore exacerbate throat pain by exposing the inflamed area to corrosive stomach contents.
Systemic Effects: Dehydration and Sleep Disruption
Beyond local irritation, consuming wine triggers systemic effects that hinder the body’s recovery from illness. Alcohol is a powerful diuretic, causing the kidneys to increase urine production and leading to overall fluid loss. This systemic dehydration dries out the protective mucus that coats the throat and airways.
When the body is dehydrated, the remaining mucus thickens, making it harder to clear and potentially worsening congestion and throat discomfort. Maintaining a moist throat environment is necessary for symptom relief and healing, but alcohol consumption works against this need. Alcohol’s impact on sleep architecture also compromises the body’s immune function.
While alcohol may initially induce drowsiness, it fragments the sleep cycle, particularly suppressing the restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. Adequate, uninterrupted sleep is important because the immune system releases specialized proteins, called cytokines, during this time to fight infection and inflammation. By disrupting REM sleep, alcohol hinders this immune response, potentially prolonging the duration and severity of the illness.
Critical Safety: Interactions with Cold and Flu Medications
A major safety concern with drinking wine while sick is the potential for dangerous interactions with common over-the-counter cold and flu medications. Many popular remedies contain Acetaminophen, a pain reliever metabolized by the liver. Alcohol consumption induces the liver enzyme CYP2E1, which converts Acetaminophen into a highly toxic metabolite called NAPQI.
This process depletes the liver’s supply of glutathione, the natural compound required to detoxify NAPQI, increasing the risk of severe liver damage or failure. Cold and flu medications often contain antihistamines, which act as central nervous system depressants. Alcohol is also a depressant, and combining the two creates an additive effect that magnifies sedation, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination.
The result is a heightened risk of accidental injury and extreme drowsiness. Certain multi-symptom cold formulations also include decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, which are stimulants that increase heart rate and blood pressure. Combining these stimulants with alcohol can exacerbate cardiovascular effects, placing undue strain on the heart and potentially causing irregular heart rhythms.
Healthier Alternatives for Symptom Relief
Instead of wine, several healthier alternatives can provide relief and support the body’s healing process. Warm beverages, such as herbal teas or clear chicken broth, can soothe the throat and help thin mucus, easing congestion. The warmth temporarily reduces irritation and promotes comfort.
Honey is an effective natural remedy due to its thick, viscous consistency, which coats the throat lining and acts as a demulcent, reducing irritation and the cough reflex. Honey also contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may assist the immune response. Consuming fluids fortified with electrolytes helps to combat the dehydration often associated with illness.
Electrolyte solutions, including low-sugar rehydration drinks or broths, regulate fluid balance and maintain moisture in the throat and mucus membranes. It is advisable to avoid highly acidic fruit juices and extremely hot or cold liquids, as these may mimic the irritating effects of wine on the inflamed tissue.