Nasal congestion occurs when the blood vessels and tissues lining the inside of the nose become swollen and inflamed, causing a feeling of stuffiness. Many people turn to old remedies, such as a hot alcoholic drink, believing it may help clear their airways. Scientific evidence suggests, however, that alcohol is more likely to worsen congestion and delay recovery rather than provide genuine relief. This is due to its direct effect on blood vessels, its impact on hydration levels, and its influence on the body’s defense mechanisms.
Alcohol’s Immediate Effect on Nasal Swelling
The immediate impact of consuming alcohol on a stuffy nose is often counterproductive to clearing the airways. Alcohol causes blood vessels throughout the body to widen, a process called vasodilation, which is why a person’s face may appear flushed or warm after drinking. This same process occurs within the tissues lining the nasal passages and the turbinates.
When these already inflamed nasal blood vessels expand further, they transport more blood to the area, increasing the swelling inside the nose. This physically narrows the nasal passages, making the feeling of stuffiness more pronounced. Instead of acting as a decongestant, alcohol’s vascular effect can therefore exacerbate the physical symptoms of congestion. Certain beverages, like red wine, contain compounds such as histamines that can also trigger an allergic-like reaction, further contributing to nasal swelling and a runny nose in some individuals.
Dehydration and Mucus Consistency
Alcohol functions as a diuretic, promoting increased urination and leading to dehydration. This occurs because alcohol suppresses the release of vasopressin, the antidiuretic hormone that signals the kidneys to conserve water. By inhibiting this hormone, the body excretes more fluid than it retains.
This overall dehydration can negatively affect the body’s ability to manage respiratory symptoms. When the body lacks sufficient hydration, mucus tends to thicken and become stickier. Thicker mucus is harder to clear from the nasal passages, making congestion feel more intractable and prolonged.
Impact on Immune Response and Recovery
Congestion is often a symptom of an underlying infection, such as a common cold or the flu, and alcohol consumption can interfere with the body’s recovery process. Drinking can temporarily suppress the immune system, especially with heavy or binge drinking. This suppression decreases the ability of white blood cells to function effectively, which are the body’s primary defense against pathogens.
Even a single instance of heavy drinking can impair immune function for up to 24 hours. When the immune system is compromised, the body takes longer to defend against the virus or bacteria causing the illness. This delay prolongs the duration of congestion and other cold symptoms. Focusing on rest and hydration provides a better environment for the immune system to work efficiently.
Safety Warnings: Alcohol and Cold Medications
A significant risk of consuming alcohol while congested involves potential interactions with over-the-counter cold and flu medications. Many common cold remedies contain multiple active ingredients that can have dangerous interactions when mixed with ethanol.
Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many cold products, is metabolized by the liver, just like alcohol. Combining the two significantly increases the risk of severe liver damage.
Cold medicines frequently include antihistamines to reduce sneezing and a runny nose, but these drugs often cause drowsiness. Alcohol intensifies this sedative effect, leading to increased dizziness, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction times, which makes activities like driving dangerous.
Furthermore, combining alcohol with decongestants, such as those containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, may increase the risk of side effects like elevated blood pressure or heart rate. It is safest to avoid alcohol entirely when taking any form of cold or flu medication.