Gustatory Rhinitis

Gustatory rhinitis is when your nose runs after eating spicy or hot foods. It comes on suddenly while eating or just after eating. It goes away quickly after you’re done eating.

Gustatory rhinitis is a type of non-allergic rhinitis, which means it’s not caused by an allergy. It’s more common as you get older. Gustatory rhinitis is sometimes called vasomotor rhinitis because it stimulates nerves to widen (dilate) your blood vessels.

What are the symptoms of gustatory rhinitis?

Symptoms of gustatory rhinitis come on during or right after eating spicy foods. They include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion (stuffy nose)
• Nasal swelling
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Cough (if mucus is dripping down the back of your throat)

What causes gustatory rhinitis?

Gustatory rhinitis happens when heat or spices activate the trigeminal nerve in the mucous membranes of your nose. This makes your nose produce mucus, or a runny nose, and dilates blood vessels in your nose, causing swelling and congestion.

Many foods that trigger a runny nose contain capsaicin, a chemical that makes them taste spicy. It also makes your body react the same way it would to heat. When you’re hot, your blood vessels dilate to bring more blood to your skin’s surface and release heat.

In most people, experts don’t know why these nerves become sensitive to spicy food — it’s idiopathic. But for some people, gustatory rhinitis starts after a head injury or surgery damaged the nerve. It can also be a complication of leprosy (Hansen’s disease).

What foods trigger gustatory rhinitis?

Foods that can trigger a runny nose after eating include:

• Chili peppers
• Heated foods, like soup
• Horseradish
• Hot sauce (like Tabasco®)
• Onion
• Spices like cayenne, ginger, chili powder or curry
• Spicy mustard
• Vinegar

Is gustatory rhinitis an allergic reaction?

No, gustatory rhinitis isn’t an allergic reaction. It’s a type of non-allergic rhinitis. This means it’s not caused by allergies, and it won’t lead to anaphylaxis.

How is gustatory rhinitis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose gustatory rhinitis by asking about your symptoms and what triggers them. They might perform skin tests or blood tests to rule out allergies and other conditions that can cause the same symptoms.

How do you treat gustatory rhinitis?

There’s no way to cure gustatory rhinitis, but if you still want to eat foods that trigger it, treatment might ease your symptoms. Possible treatments include:

• Ipratropium bromide nasal spray (Atrovent®)
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase®, Nasacort®)
• Nasal irrigation (saline nasal rinses)
• Decongestants (Sudafed®, Nexafed®)
• Nasal capsaicin
• Surgical nerve treatments

Capsaicin treatment triggers the nerve that causes gustatory rhinitis. Over time, this might help desensitize the nerve, so it stops reacting to triggers. Some studies suggest that using low-dose capsaicin nasal sprays regularly can reduce your symptoms over time. Ask your healthcare provider before you try this treatment.

In rare cases, your provider might suggest surgery to treat the nerves causing your symptoms. Treatments include freezing, heating or removing parts of the nerve. Providers don’t often recommend surgery, since the risks can outweigh the benefits.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms are bothersome or start happening all the time, talk to a healthcare provider. It’s important to know if you’re experiencing non-allergic rhinitis or if you have a food allergy. A provider can help determine the cause of your symptoms and suggest treatments that might help.

It might be helpful to ask a provider:

• Is an allergic reaction causing my runny nose?
• Are there any treatments that might be helpful?
• What symptoms should I look out for?
• When should I follow up with you?

When should I go to the ER?

Go to an emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency service number) if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including:

• Swelling of your face, mouth, tongue or throat
• Severe vomiting
• Weakness, dizziness, light-headedness or passing out, which can be signs of low blood pressure

What can I expect if I have gustatory rhinitis?

Gustatory rhinitis isn’t an allergic reaction. So, while it might be frustrating, it isn’t harmful. In some people, it might actually get better over time if their nerves become less sensitive to trigger foods.

Can you prevent gustatory rhinitis?

Avoiding trigger foods is the best way to prevent gustatory rhinitis. Some people find that using nasal sprays or nasal irrigation regularly — rather than after symptoms start — can help prevent or reduce symptoms.