Red chillies and Tabasco sauce open the floodgates of your nose as you continue disposing of tissue paper after tissue paper. This lesser-known condition is gustatory rhinitis, characterized by runny nose, watery discharge from the nose and eyes following ingestion of solid or liquid foods, hot and spicy. Let us explore more about it.
Our nose has more purpose than simply taking air or smells. It has nerves that help to produce secretions called mucus to keep it moist and let air pass through it. The trigeminal nerve gets stimulated when certain aromatic foods irritate the nerve endings.
Gustatory rhinitis could be age-related, post-traumatic, postsurgical and associated with cranial neuropathy. Recent studies suggest that it is due to the overstimulation of trigeminal sensory nerve endings located in the upper end of the digestive tract. Usually, it is not associated with sneezing, nasal congestion or facial pain.
Capsaicin, in spicy and hot foods, is the agent with a pungent smell in red hot peppers that stimulates the sensory nerves in the mucosa of the oral cavity. It causes a burning sensation.
The exact cause of gustatory rhinitis is not clear. Nevertheless, there is stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Hot, spicy and aromatic foods trigger the system to produce excess mucus in nasal passages, resulting in watery discharge from the nose causing congestion. Some important triggers for this are
Spicy foods like chilies and hot peppers.
Hot drinks like soup, tea, or coffee.
Alcohol, especially beer and wine.
Aromatic foods like garlic, vinegar and onions.
Perfumes, strong odors, changes in temperature or humidity tobacco smoke are identifiable triggers. Diagnosis of non-allergic rhinitis depends upon a detailed history and physical examination.
The condition can vary in severity from person to person, but it is generally harmless, though annoying. The onset of symptoms typically occurs almost immediately after eating and can persist for several minutes.
Symptoms may be from straightforward to bothersome
Rhinorrhoea, the nasal discharge, is watery and clear and occurs during or after meals.
Nasal congestion presents as a feeling of stuffiness or blocked nasal passages.
Sneezing is not a regular occurrence but occurs in some people after consuming trigger foods
Postnasal drip
Unlike allergic rhinitis, there are no accompanying symptoms such as itchy eyes, throat irritation, or skin reactions. The symptoms are usually short-lived and subside shortly after the meals.
Dr. Sermed Mezher, MBChB (Hons), MRes, UK, explains how gustatory rhinitis can be embarrassing.
No specific tests are available to diagnose this condition. However, it is necessary to distinguish gustatory rhinitis from any other allergic issues.
Avoid foods that trigger the symptoms is the simplest way to manage it. Spicy, hot and flavorful foods should be avoided. Eating cold food and opting for mild versions of spicy dishes helps.
Eating quickly or consuming hot food right after cooking exacerbates nasal symptoms.
Medications prescribed are antihistamines and decongestants. Nasal sprays like ipratropium bromide and nasal corticosteroids are helpful. Extreme cases may require nasal cryotherapy and nasal radio frequency energy treatment.
Complications of gustatory rhinitis are rarely dangerous. They include the development of nasal polyps or sinusitis, even middle ear infections that reduce the quality of life.
By understanding and addressing gustatory rhinitis, you can take control of this condition and make informed choices about how you manage it—ensuring that mealtimes remain an enjoyable part of your day.
References:
1. Jovancevic, Ljiljana, Christos Georgalas, Slobodan Savovic, and Dusanka Janjevic. "Gustatory rhinitis." Rhinology 48, no. 1 (2010): 7.
2. Settipane, Russell A., and Michael A. Kaliner. “Nonallergic Rhinitis.” American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy 27, no. 3_suppl (May 2013): S48–51. https://doi.org/10.2500/ajra.2013.27.3927.