Gustatory Rhinitis

Gustatory rhinitis is a type of non-allergic rhinitis that occurs when certain foods trigger nasal symptoms. After eating spicy or hot foods, a person may experience a runny nose, sneezing, or nasal congestion. This happens because the nerves in the mouth are closely linked to the nasal passages, causing an exaggerated response. Unlike allergies, gustatory rhinitis is not caused by an immune response, so antihistamines don’t help. Instead, it’s a normal reaction to specific stimuli, often linked to strong flavors. It’s generally harmless but can be bothersome for those affected.