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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness And Swelling In Throat After Alcohol Consumption?

After I have a couple of beers my throat starts to feel numb and in the morning it feels swollen. Looking down with my chin to my chest almost cause a sort of gagging reflex. There is no pain and there isn't any noticeable swelling from the outside. I feel like I can breath, eat and drink fine but it's annoying. This just started a week ago and took about two days to go away. Should I take an allergy medicine or see a doctor? I don't have any trouble sleeping.
Fri, 17 Jul 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern.

there are various ingredients in beer that cause such symptoms . Many people experiences soreness after having alcohol or beer . The most probable reason for such symptoms are alcohol intolerance and grain allergy as beer is produce after fermentation of grain .

Some person also experience breathing difficulties . These symptoms can also occur due to ingredient in beer called Sulfite which is used as a preservative in beer . Uvula also swell sometimes after alcohol consumption and cause gagging type problem as you also mention .

Alcohol also irritate delicate membrane of throat which cause swelling of throat .

I would suggest you to :-

- Immediately stop drinking alcohol .

- Do warm salt water gargles .

- Take multivitamin supplement .

If breathing problem persist for 24 hours then consult ENT specialist for proper diagnosis .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry
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What Causes Numbness And Swelling In Throat After Alcohol Consumption?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. there are various ingredients in beer that cause such symptoms . Many people experiences soreness after having alcohol or beer . The most probable reason for such symptoms are alcohol intolerance and grain allergy as beer is produce after fermentation of grain . Some person also experience breathing difficulties . These symptoms can also occur due to ingredient in beer called Sulfite which is used as a preservative in beer . Uvula also swell sometimes after alcohol consumption and cause gagging type problem as you also mention . Alcohol also irritate delicate membrane of throat which cause swelling of throat . I would suggest you to :- - Immediately stop drinking alcohol . - Do warm salt water gargles . - Take multivitamin supplement . If breathing problem persist for 24 hours then consult ENT specialist for proper diagnosis . Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry