Runny noses are commonplace when you are sick with the flu or a sinus infection. But what about when you're eating or drinking? There are a few reasons why you may be suffering from a running nose during meal times.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis is the medical term for a runny nose. Runny noses often occur because of a virus, infection like the common cold, or a flu virus. (Ref. 1.)
Gustatory Rhinitis
Gustatory rhinitis refers to a runny nose that occurs while eating or drinking. The condition can be caused by any food, but spicy foods and alcohol are the biggest offenders. (Ref. 1.)
Cause
Rarely is one ingredient responsible for causing gustatory rhinitis. A combination of different ingredients often causes a runny nose during meal times. The act of eating or drinking causes the blood vessels in the nose to open up, and the increase in blood flow causes the nose to run. (Ref. 1.)
Relief
If the case of gustatory rhinitis is so severe that blowing your nose doesn't suffice, you may want to consider a medication that is prescribed for this very problem. The medication contains ipratropium bromide, which is a nasal spray that relieves runny noses. (Ref. 1.)
Side effects
Ipratropium bromide nasal spray should not be taken to relieve nasal congestion or sneezing. Review the list of side effects for this medication. Avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to soybeans or peanuts. (Ref. 2)
Tags: eating drinking, runny nose, during meal, during meal times, gustatory rhinitis, meal times