Asthma and alcohol

Why is alcohol a trigger for some people?

Some people are sensitive to substances contained in alcohol which are known to trigger asthma symptoms. These are called histamines and sulphites.

• Histamine is a natural food and drink chemical. It’s the same substance that’s released in your body when you have an allergic reaction.
• Sulphites are used in a range of foods and drinks as preservatives. They’re produced naturally when beer, wine, and cider are made, and more may be added to wine to stop it continuing to ferment in the bottle.

How quickly do people react to alcohol?

Everyone is different. Some people notice symptoms - tight chest, wheezing, feeling breathless - after just a few sips. 

Others can have one or two drinks without problems. Some people might not have any reaction until the following day.

Some people find that alcohol makes them more sensitive to their other triggers.

It’s important to know how you react to try to lower your risk of asthma symptoms.

Make sure you always carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you, so you can deal with symptoms quickly if you do get them.

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