Sunday, June 28th 2026
It is not necessarily an allergy, nor a sign of a cold – sometimes the answer is related to the way the organism itself reacts during eating
Many people notice that their nose starts to run during or immediately after eating. Most often this is attributed to spicy food, but it is interesting that the same phenomenon can occur even when we eat completely bland foods. If this happens to you more and more often over the years, there is a medical explanation.
Experts call this phenomenon gustatory rhinitis, a form of non-allergic rhinitis, which causes increased secretion from the nose during or immediately after eating.
Unlike allergic rhinitis, gustatory rhinitis does not involve a reaction of the immune system to a certain food. The person does not have typical allergy symptoms, such as an itchy nose, itchy eyes, or red skin. Also, it is not a question of infection either.
At the root of the problem lies the excessive reaction of the nerves that control the work of the nasal mucosa. When we eat, reflex neural pathways associated with the oral cavity, throat and nose are activated. In some people, especially the elderly, these reflexes become more pronounced, so there is an increased production of watery secretions and the feeling that the nose is “running”.
The nasal mucosa is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings. When certain irritants activate the autonomic nervous system, especially its parasympathetic part, the blood vessels dilate and the work of glands that produce secretions increases.
For this reason, the nose begins to produce more fluid, even though there is no infection or allergic reaction.
The most well-known triggers are hot foods, hot peppers, wild turnips, mustard and very hot foods. However, in people with more pronounced sensitivity of the nervous system, the reaction can also be triggered by quite ordinary meals. Sometimes the very process of chewing or stimulation of the receptors in the oral cavity is enough to induce a reflex runny nose.
Why does the problem appear more often with age?
Doctors have long noticed that various forms of non-allergic rhinitis are more frequent in older people. The reason is related to the natural changes that occur with age in the nose and its mucosa.
Over the years, blood vessels, nerve fibers and cells that produce secretions change. At the same time, the way the autonomic nervous system regulates the function of the nose also changes, therefore it becomes more sensitive to external and internal irritants.
With the term geriatric or senile rhinitis, doctors describe a form of non-allergic rhinitis that appears in elderly people as a result of changes in the nasal mucosa and its regulation. It often remains unrecognized because the symptoms are attributed to “normal aging”.
The most common symptom is a continuous runny nose, which may be more pronounced during meals, during changes in air temperature or after exposure to strong smells. Unlike allergic rhinitis, there is usually no itching, watery eyes, or other typical allergic complaints.
Geriatric rhinitis often overlaps with gustatory rhinitis. Therefore, many elderly people notice that their nose runs during meals, even when the food is not spicy or very hot. This also contributes to the slower clearing of secretions from the respiratory tract, so even smaller amounts of secretions can create the feeling of a constant runny nose.
What factors can worsen the problem?
In elderly people, a runny nose after food or during eating is not necessarily related only to age. Symptoms can also be aggravated by some drugs, including some antihypertensives, drugs for erectile dysfunction, some antidepressants and preparations that affect the autonomic nervous system.
Concerns may also be more pronounced in people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic sinusitis or other forms of non-allergic rhinitis. Cold air, sudden changes in temperature, and strong odors can also increase the production of nasal secretions.
When should another problem be suspected?
The occasional runny nose while eating is usually not a cause for concern. However, a check-up with an otorhinolaryngologist or allergist is recommended if:
• symptoms become daily and pronounced
• nasal congestion and breathing difficulties appear
• has frequent sinusitis
• the secretion becomes thick, yellow or green
• there is bleeding from the nose
• runny nose appears only from one nostril
In these situations, other causes must be excluded, including allergies, polyps, chronic inflammations, side effects of certain drugs or, less often, structural changes in the nose and sinuses.
In people whose symptoms significantly impair the quality of life, there are effective treatment options. Nasal sprays with anticholinergic action, such as ipratropium-bromide, are most commonly used, which reduce excessive secretion from the nose. In some cases, it also helps to identify and avoid the factors that provoke the symptoms.
The good news is that rhinitis gustatory and geriatric rhinitis are not dangerous conditions. Although they can be unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing in society, they usually do not indicate any serious illness and can be successfully controlled with appropriate measures and therapy, when it is necessary.
Source: prizrenpost
