You have probably experienced a runny nose from time to time. A runny nose can occur for a wide variety of reasons, whether it is from allergies, crying, colds, or spicy foods. The broad term "vasomotor rhinitis" encompasses an intermittent runny nose that is triggered by stimuli, such as dry air, air irritants, spicy foods, alcohol, strong emotions and medications, according to the Auckland Allergy Clinic website. Rhinitis that is provoked by food can be from either the taste or smell of it.
Rhinorrhea
Rhinorrhea, or runny nose, happens when blood vessels or nasal tissues become congested or swollen, according to MayoClinic.com. This can cause excess fluid or mucus. A runny nose is not serious, but it is common and, usually, a nuisance. Rhinitis occurs when the mucous membranes of the nose are inflamed. According to the Merck website, rhinitis is caused by a viral infection or allergy. Those with rhinitis experience a runny nose more often than other symptoms. Rhinitis can also include post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing or itchiness.
Food Allergy
A food allergy can trigger a runny nose by prompting an immune reaction, resulting in mucous production and nasal inflammation, according to the Food Allergy Solutions website. Symptoms of food allergies can vary by type and severity. You may experience rashes, wheezing, anaphylactic shock, hives or sneezing and runny nose. Symptoms may not show up for hours or days, depending on how the food is absorbed in the body.
Gustatory Rhinitis
According to the Merck website, gustatory rhinitis is a form of vasomotor rhinitis, which is triggered by eating. While any type of food can prompt the nasal inflammatory response, it is more common with hot or spicy foods, but it has been connected with cold foods as well. The reaction of a runny nose follows the dilated nasal blood vessels. Within a few hours of eating, the vagus nerve is stimulated, prompting the nasal reaction.
Treatment
Treatment of gustatory rhinitis and food allergies typically call for avoiding the problem food(s). But since gustatory rhinitis can be caused by any food, avoiding the problem foods could be impossible. Dr. Daniel Blum of the Mayo Clinic suggests relieving the symptoms by using a nasal spray with anticholinergic agents. An antihistamine nasal spray can also be used to help alleviate a runny nose as it works by drying out the mucus.
Considerations
If you are concerned about your runny nose, contact your doctor. If you think you may have a food allergy, consult an allergist because food allergies can become dangerous. In extreme cases of rhinitis, when medicines fail to work, surgery may be an option to help diminish rhinorrhea.
