Why Do Spicy Things Make Your Nose Run?

Spicy foods, such as peppers, often make your nose run due to a reaction to the chemicals and oils.

Often, when consuming spicy foods, you may find that your nose runs as a result of what you're eating. This, in addition to other physical reactions, is due to the chemical capsaicin and the oil allyl isothiocyanate.

Reaction

Chili peppers, used in spicy foods, contain capsaicin. Other spicy foods, such as horseradish and wasabi, contain allyl isothiocyanate. Both capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate stimulate a reaction in your nervous system, causing your nose to run.

Cause

Your nose runs when eating spicy foods because both capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate irritate the mucous membranes in your nose, thus producing mucus in your nasal passages. This is a defense mechanism your body has to keep out unwanted particles, such as dust. Thus, the more irritated your mucous membranes become, the more your nose will continue to run.

Remedies

Do not turn to beer or water to relieve the effects of capsaicin or allyl isothiocyanate. Instead, reach for a glass of milk. Milk contains casein, a protein that grabs the capsaicin molecules and washes them away. An alternative would be adding a 10 percent solution of sugar to a glass of water as sucrose can also lessen the effects of capsaicin.

References

• Life's Little Mysteries: Why Does My Nose Run