My symptoms are a bit of a twist here... First off, they are slightly different for wine than for spirits. For wine, the problem presents itself after consuming whites or certain varietals of red - most notably from Italy or Spain. (I have had fewer problems with California reds.) I get massive sinus congestion, pressure headaches, and a stiff jaw. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with a clenched jaw, occasionally misaligned with the bottom protruding out further than the top. It's bizarre and only happens in my sleep. I drink only top shelf spirits, but seem to have a problem with scotch or rye whiskey. Typically, they will produce more of a rattling head ache - sometimes just after a few sips. But then too I can become highly congested.
Recently, the headaches of take on new territory. I now get a very stiff neck every evening (even after good wine), and significant pain in the upper back are of my neck, just below the skull. It's awful.
Separately, I've had significant issues with gastrointestinal pain, pressure and gas (during sleep). Even sitting in a car feels uncomfortable in the upper gastro region - near the pancreas, gallbladder, et al. I've had these checked out, and everything came out A-okay. Docs haven't a clue. EdwardRe's repost of commentary from Amollette89 makes me think it's possible all of these symptoms are related. #help
The bitterness and astringency of tannins cause a rapid increase in saliva secretion from the salivary glands, according to “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine.” The main salivary glands in your mouth are the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands. The parotids are the largest salivary glands and they are located directly over the hinges of the jaw, also called temporomandibular joints. Sudden stimulation of the parotid glands, either by ingesting tannins or from a cold draft, can lead to painful sensations and jaw muscle contraction or spasm. Jaw pain from consumption of tannins is usually mild to moderate in intensity and short-lasting. A similar phenomenon is experienced with drinking fresh, unsweetened lemon juice.
I'm also allergic to tree nuts (almonds and hazelnuts) and I also get this pain from wine. Frequently white wine, only sometimes red. If a diagnosis is made I'd be thrilled to hear what it is as I often have to pour out a good glass of wine!!
You're absolutely right, Vitamin C will give almost immediate relief (have tried several times, always works). No need to suffer ;-) Would be interesting to know what causes the pain/cramping effect, biochemically, though!
I have had this same problem for a bout 20 years. It feels like intense pins and needles. When it's happening, it worsens if I swallow of yawn. Anyone else? It doesn't happen to me just from drinking wine, but if I drink wine along with food that acidic, like pickles or anything with vinegar, that's when its the worst! I'm curious to hear if anyone else has experienced this and relates to the food/wine combo.
I have had this same problem for a bout 20 years. It feels like intense pins and needles. When it's happening, it worsens if I swallow of yawn. Anyone else? It doesn't happen to me just from drinking wine, but if I drink wine along with food that acidic, like pickles or anything with vinegar, that's when its the worst! I'm curious to hear if anyone else has experienced this and relates to the food/wine combo.