Why does your nose run when eating some spicy foods?

Answer 1

The spicy foods that most reliably make the nose run contain capsaicin, the extremely irritating chemical found in peppers. It is a vanilloid, a class of compounds that include vanillin, found in vanilla; eugenol, found in cloves and cinnamon; and zingerone, found in ginger. The chemical name for capsaicin is 8-methyl-n-vanillyl-6-nonenamide.

Capsaicin is believed to excite certain central nervous system fibers that control the quantity and thickness of mucus and other fluids secreted in the nasal passages and stomach. Some herbalists recommend capsaicin-rich foods as a sort of natural decongestant.

Capsaicin is potent even in extremely small concentrations, and it is used in topical anesthetics.

In a small study in Switzerland, researchers tried to replace decongestants in treating nonallergic rhinitis, in which the nose runs even when no allergic reaction is present. The study found that repeated weekly spray applications of capsaicin in the nasal passages, which had to be done using local anesthesia, provided some symptomatic relief. The initial applications were irritating, but after several tries the nerves apparently held their fire..

Answer 2

Hot and spicy foods are notorious for making your nose run and your eyes water. The hot stuff in peppers is called capsaicin and is pharmacologically similar to guaifenesin, an expectorant found in some over-the-counter cough syrups. This similarity leads some experts to believe that eating hot foods can clear up mucus and ease that stuffy nose.

Answer 3

mine does not...and i eat Habenaros quite a bit....good luck

Answer 4

burning..