You have just started a very spicy dish and it’s a tragedy: your eyes sting, your mouth is on fire and your nose turns into a faucet!
Rest assured, you are not sick, even if the symptoms resemble those of a cold. In reality, what you are experiencing has a name: gustatory rhinitis. A natural reaction of the body when it perceives spices as aggression.
The role of capsaicin, the ingredient that sets fire
“It is neither an allergy nor an infection, but a stimulation of the nerves of the nasal mucosa“, explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek. “Spicy foods activate the trigeminal nerve, responsible for sensations in the face and nose. In response, the nasal glands produce mucus to flush out what the body interprets as an irritant.”
The big culprit of this runny nose? Capsaicin, a molecule present in the majority of chili peppers. It is this which causes this feeling of burning and heat, and which “tickles” the sensory receptors in the mouth and nose.
This activation triggers a cascade of reactions: dilation of the vessels, production of mucus, tearing, redness, even sweating. “It is a sort of nose defense mode, intended to protect the respiratory tract.“, explains Dr. Kierzek. The body simply tries to evacuate the stimulus, just as it would when faced with smoke or dust.
Rest assured: this phenomenon is completely benign. It disappears in a few minutes, while the sensory receptors calm down.
Not just chili peppers: other unsuspected triggers
If chili pepper remains the main trigger, it is not the only one to cause this spectacular reaction. Dr. Kierzek confirms:
“Very hot drinks, very cold drinks or even certain strongly seasoned foods can cause the same symptoms, because they activate the same sensory nerves.”
Some people are also more sensitive than others. People suffering from vasomotor rhinitis, respiratory allergies or simply with a more reactive nervous system will tend to see their nose runny more easily when eating spicy foods.
When should you consult?
In the majority of cases, this runny nose after a spicy dish does not require any treatment. If symptoms persist outside of meals or are accompanied by frequent sneezing, tingling or permanent discharge, an ENT consultation can help rule out an allergy or chronic rhinitis.
But for the most part, nothing to worry about. “This reaction simply reflects the body’s sensitivity to a powerful stimulus.ncludes Dr. Kierzek. So if your nose runs while eating a curry, it’s a good sign: your nerves are alive and well and your defense system is working perfectly.