Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
[Christmas article: Alcohol induced rhinitis]
Anne-Sophie Homøe1, Martin Heegaard2, Lærke Ragborg2
1Afdeling for Øre-, Næse- og Halskirurgi og Audiologi, Københavns Universitetshospital - Rigshospitalet.
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, Sniffin' 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 Sniffin' 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.
Trial Registration:
None.
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