Christmas article: Alcohol induced rhinitis

Abstract

In Denmark, December brings two certainties: upper respiratory symptoms and »julefrokost« (Christmas lunch). The overlap prompted us to investigate whether festive alcohol intake might be responsible for nasal congestion otherwise mistaken for winter »sniffles«. Methods: A total of 23 PhD students were randomised to consume either beer (n = 12) or wine (n = 11). Subjective symptom scores (Nasal Congestion Score (NCS), Sino-Nasal-Outcome-Test-22 (SNOT-22), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) smell, Standard Test for Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis (STARR-15)) and objective measures (fiberoptic endoscopy, Sniffinʼ Sticks 16) were assessed at baseline, 20 minutes post intake, and after 24 hours. Results: Post intake, 75% of participants in the beer group reported nasal congestion versus 45% in the wine group (p = 0.083). Mucosal edema increased from 30% at baseline to 52% (p = 0.143). SNOT-22 scores improved slightly post-alcohol, likely reflecting mood enhancement rather than true sinonasal improvement. No significant changes in olfactory function or Sniffinʼ Sticks scores were observed. Conclusion: Beer may provoke transient nasal congestion more than wine, although the difference was not statistically significant. Findings support the hypothesis that some Christmas »sniffles« may be alcohol-related rather than viral. Funding: The study was supported by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital.