When the nose runs while eating, it is often due to a condition called gustatory rhinitis, a non-allergic form of rhinitis. This condition causes the nose to produce more mucus in response to certain triggers during eating, particularly spicy or hot foods. The nerves in the mouth and throat (specifically the trigeminal nerve) are stimulated by chemicals like capsaicin in spicy foods or by physically hot foods, signaling the nasal passages to produce mucus as a protective response. This leads to a runny nose that usually stops shortly after eating. Other triggers for nose running when eating can include food allergies (allergic rhinitis), alcohol, environmental irritants, or infections, but gustatory rhinitis is the primary non-allergic cause.
Key Points:
- Gustatory rhinitis: Non-allergic rhinitis triggered mainly by spicy or hot foods.
- Nerve stimulation: Capsaicin (from spicy foods) or hot temperature foods stimulate the trigeminal nerve.
- Result: Increased mucus production causing a runny nose.
- Not an allergy unless other allergic symptoms are present.
- Other triggers: Food allergies, alcohol, environmental irritants, sinus infections.
- Management: Avoiding trigger foods or using nasal treatments if needed.
This explains why a nose may run specifically when eating and particularly with spicy or hot foods.
