A runny nose after eating could be caused by eating spicy foods or foods that are hot in temperature, but if you notice consistent nasal discharge after eating certain foods, you may have a food allergy. Food allergies affect between 6 and 8 percent of children under the age of 5 and about 3 to 4 percent of adults in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. A runny nose may also be triggered by eating certain fruits and vegetables if you have hay fever. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and which foods trigger them.
Runny Nose
A runny nose is the result of an excessive production of mucus in your nasal passages. The sinuses are lined with soft tissue that contains mucus membranes to help the sinuses stay moist and free of irritants. Irritation can cause the sinuses to become inflamed. When the sinuses are irritated and inflamed, the mucus membranes begin to produce more mucus, which leads to a runny nose and postnasal drip. A runny nose that occurs after you eat is likely related to an allergic reaction.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are caused primarily by peanuts, soy, milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat and fish. Symptoms typically develop within a few minutes or up to two hours after eating an allergy-related food. Symptoms can range from minor to severe and can include nausea; vomiting; indigestion; diarrhea; eczema; itching; hives; swelling in the face, lips or tongue; metallic taste in the mouth; nasal congestion; wheezing; and trouble breathing. A food allergy can also cause irritation in the sinus cavity, leading to a runny nose.
Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome
Pollen-food allergy syndrome, also called oral allergy syndrome, refers to an allergic condition that occurs when you eat certain raw vegetables, nuts or fruit that trigger hay fever symptoms. Some fruits, nuts and vegetables contain proteins that a sensitive person's immune system identifies as a type of pollen, triggering an itchy mouth, throat and lips; a runny nose; and throat irritation. If you're diagnosed with this condition, you may find relief by cooking the problem food before eating it.
Testing
If you develop other symptoms as well as a runny nose after eating certain foods, you should talk with your doctor about allergy testing. Allergy tests can effectively diagnose which foods you're allergic to, helping you avoid a runny nose.
