293904 Tue Aug 26 07:30:43 -0700 2003 3 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1610191 I know this is a bit off topic, but I am tired of finishing a lovely meal, with wine, and being so congested that I have trouble sounding normal. I usually drink red wine and was wondering if I am allergic to sulfites. Are there any types of wine that are more likely to have sulfites than not? Is white better than red? I am not a maven so have never figured out which label to avoid etc. I appreciate any help you can offer. Alexandra Tue Aug 26 07:30:43 -0700 2003 0 alexandra 1 1610196 If it’s congestion that’s bothering you, you may be reacting to the histamines in red wine and not the sulfites. Tolerating white wine more than red would support this, since white contains as many sulfites as red but fewer histamines. If this is the case, antihistamine pills might help – although having to take medication every time you drink red wine is not a great idea. Tue Aug 26 09:25:04 -0700 2003 1610191 0 Pantagruel 2 1610198 I concur with Pantagruel that the congestion may be a histamine effect from the red wine sulfites. If you elect to counter this with antihistamine medication (eg: sudafed), remember that this may interact with the alcohol and produce quite a buzz for you -- not that there's anything wrong with that :). Tue Aug 26 10:06:09 -0700 2003 1610196 0 Barbarito 1 1610219 If you are going to stick with red wine, and want to get rid of the congestion, I'd try a nasal spray, rather than taking over-the-counter tablets and drinking. Tue Aug 26 13:02:49 -0700 2003 1610191 0 TR