[Christmas article: Alcohol induced rhinitis].

UNLABELLED: 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.