Wine apparently has a plethora of health benefits. However, it can cause massive complications for people suffering from asthma. Sulphites and histamines, the two compounds present in wine, especially red wine, are likely to cause asthma related symptoms. The mild symptoms which such compounds induce should also be avoided at all costs as they might cause asthma patients to overreact.

Additionally, beer and cider might cause and worsen the already existing symptoms of asthma, just like wine does. Hence, keep in mind of the beer you drink or the exquisite wine that you crave, for these drinks will without a doubt have negative repercussions during your asthma attack.

Why People Suffering From Asthma Are Advised Not To Consume Wine

People who suffer from chronic asthma have trouble breathing as their airways start to get narrow and inflamed due to various triggers, be it external or dietary. Therefore, the management of these triggers is highly relevant for asthma patients as they try their best to maintain their lung health. Wine, more specifically the red wine, has often been described as an aid to those trying to maintain their health. However, to the astehmatics, more care is warranted as it can induce further problems.

Sulphites and Wine

Asthma and wine do not complement each other, mainly because of sulphites. Sulphites are sought out as oxidation inhibitors and extended shelf life agents in wine, hence why it is such a wonder for manufactures. But for some people, mainly patients with asthma, sulphites can be a nightmare as they can cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. This group is particularly sensitive to sulphites which  a whopping 3% to 10% of Sulphite Sensitive People, which makes wine unsuitable for them.

Respiratory reactions due to Histamines

Red wine contains certain compounds known as histamines which occurs out of the fermentation processes and is specific to red wine, now these compounds may aggravate or even trigger allergic reactions to some individuals, and as for the patients suffering from Asthma,’s hhistamines will develop greater inflammation of the airways and breathing.

Interaction of Alcohol on airway Reactivity

As we all know, alcohol is a vasodilator, this alone could lead to increased purposely airway reactivity. For some people, alcohol can be a trigger for chest stiffness, asthma or in severe cases shortness of breath. Such symptoms can affect regular people but are more profound during with patients suffering respiratory problems.

Engaging With Asthma Medications

Asthma is also treated with the aids of bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which a lot of asthmatic patients consider a valuable part of their treatment regimen. Alcohol tends to modify the metabolism of these drugs and thus provides a negative effect. In addition, alcohol use is likely to make some of the side effects worse, such as drowsiness or nausea after using some asthma medications which can make the control of the disease difficult.