Few people know, but there are foods that also cause allergic reactions in the respiratory system. Although more common in people over 60 years of age, gustatory rhinitis can occur at any age and is usually associated with the consumption of very hot or very spicy foods.
“They can stimulate the nerve endings present in the taste buds of the tongue and in the nasal cavities, triggering a response from the autonomic nervous system, which includes the dilation of blood vessels in the nasal mucous membranes. In other words, at the same time that salivation begins, the nose also begins to produce secretion or even become obstructed, stimulated by the beginning of eating and chewing”, explains Dr. Cristiane Passos Dias Levy, otorhinolaryngologist at Hospital Paulista and allergy specialist. respiratory.
The specialist explains that this type of rhinitis is caused by a neural imbalance, which causes the actions of the parasympathetic system to happen “out of turn”, generating the symptoms described. “Generally, the irritations are more discreet than those of allergic rhinitis and are limited to runny nose and occasional nasal obstructions. But the intensity varies from person to person.”
Treatment
As for treatment, the doctor explains that it is important, first of all, to seek a professional evaluation. This is because the medicines that are usually used depend on prescription, and self-medication can be ineffective or even risky.
“Treatments for gustatory rhinitis are based on the conciliation of symptoms with anticholinergic medications, antihistamines, locally acting corticosteroids or even medications in spray form. Most require a prescription and, in any case, it is important for the doctor to assess the best course of action to follow, depending on the profile of each patient”, he concludes.
