Runny Nose while Eating

The medical name for a runny nose is called Rhinorrhea. It is characterized by discharge of an unusually large amount of nasal fluid, i.e. mucus or sinus and the discharge may be colored or thick. A runny nose is one of the major symptoms of common cold and also of allergies, like, hay fever. But a runny nose while eating is a little different from usual Rhinorrhea.The condition of a runny nose while eating is called Gustatory Rhinorrhea. While eating, the autonomic nervous system gets stimulated. As a result, the compound acetylcholine is released. This leads to the increased production of saliva, stomach acid and nasal mucus. Usually, if the meal is spicy, your nose runs more but in the case of runny nose while eating, even non spicy food creates a runny nose. However, there is no need to become anxious, since a runny nose when eating is not life threatening and can be treated.

Causes of Runny Nose While Eating
One of the causes of runny nose while eating is scar tissue. In such a case, there is excessive mucus secretion from the nose. The constant drip from your nose while eating can be due to the excessive amount of mucus or sinus produced and this is not because of inflammation due to an allergy or infection. If you ever had a broken nose or surgery, like, rhinoplasty, you will be surprised to know that scar tissues may occur due to these.

Also, a runny nose while eating may be aggravated by the taste or smell of food. But these may not be the only factors. If you are exposed to odors such as perfumes, scented candles, paint fumes, smoke, diesel exhaust, etc. there are chances that you may suffer from a runny nose. Other factors can also include hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, changes in the air temperature, like when you are exposed to air conditioning, humidity, emotional stress and certain common medications.

Treatment for Runny Nose While Eating
Consult a doctor in case you are having a runny nose after eating and have your nose checked by him/her. Your doctor will conduct tests by taking a swab of your nose, in case there is an allergy and this will also help you find out if a scar tissue is the reason behind your runny nose. You can also use a nasal spray or antihistamines before you start eating, of course on a doctor's prescription. This will help in stopping a runny nose when eating. But antihistamines have side effects too, which includes drowsiness and may affect people in different ways. So before you start to take antihistamines as medication, experiment with a few brands to see which one suits you best. But be careful, antihistamine pills and nasal sprays should not be taken at the same time and neither should either of them be continued for a long time. Take these medications only when you are going out for social occasions, e.g. when you have to eat surrounded by people.

Another thing you can do is to keep a packet of tissues handy when you are eating socially. Lightly touch your nose whenever you feel that your nose is going to drip. Also try to avoid hot and spicy food, especially Mexican or Thai, and keep away from caffeinated beverages when you are dining out as your problem can become worse.

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So these were some of the common causes and treatment of a runny nose while eating. Next time you are invited to a dinner party, do try these out and make sure that you leave no room for embarrassment.