Perplexity AI:
What are the causes when sour food/liquid triggering runny nose/post nasal drip?Sour foods and liquids can trigger runny nose or postnasal drip due to a few potential causes:
## Gustatory Rhinitis
Gustatory rhinitis is a common cause of runny nose triggered by eating, especially spicy or sour foods. Some key points about gustatory rhinitis:
- It's a form of non-allergic rhinitis affecting the autonomic nervous system[1].
- Spicy and sour foods like hot peppers, garlic, vinegar, etc. are common triggers[1].
- These foods contain compounds like capsaicin that strongly activate sensory nerves in the mouth and nose[1].
## Vasomotor Rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) is another type of non-allergic rhinitis that can cause nasal symptoms in response to various triggers, including:
- Spicy foods
- Strong odors
- Alcohol
- Changes in temperature or humidity[2]
VMR involves overactivity of nerves that control the blood vessels and glands in the nasal passages.
## Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, particularly laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), can sometimes cause symptoms mimicking postnasal drip:
- Stomach acid can irritate the throat and nasal passages, leading to increased mucus production[3].
- Spicy or acidic foods often trigger reflux symptoms.
- LPR symptoms like throat clearing and sensation of drainage are commonly mistaken for postnasal drip[4].
## Sensory Neuropathy
In some cases, the sensation of postnasal drip after consuming sour foods may be due to laryngeal sensory neuropathy (LSN):
- LSN causes a false sensation of something in the throat, leading to throat clearing and coughing[4].
- There may not be actual increased mucus production, just the feeling of it.
To manage these symptoms, avoiding trigger foods, using nasal sprays before meals, and treating any underlying acid reflux can be helpful. Consulting with an allergist or ENT specialist is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Citations:
[1]
https://coloradoallergy.com/nose-runs-when-eating/[2]
https://www.healthline.com/health/runny-nose-after-eating[3]
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/postnasal-drip-and-gerd[4]
https://www.clarityallergycenter.com/post-nasal-drip-causes/[5]
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-to-know-gustatory-rhinitis[6]
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23082-postnasal-drip[7]
https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/post-nasal-drip/[8]
https://totalentcare.com/post-nasal-drip/What has research found in uncovering the mechanisms of gustatory rhinitis?Research has uncovered several key mechanisms involved in gustatory rhinitis:
## Neurogenic Inflammation
Recent studies suggest that gustatory rhinitis is likely associated with neurogenic inflammation[3]. The ingestion of spicy or sour foods stimulates trigeminal sensory nerve endings located in the upper aerodigestive tract[2][3]. This sensory nerve stimulation appears to be correlated with:
- Activation of postganglionic cholinergic muscarinic parasympathetic fibers
- Release of sensory neuropeptides
- A parasympathetic reflex sensitive to atropine
## Autonomic Nervous System Activation
Gustatory rhinitis involves mistaken activation of autonomic nerves in the nasal area while tasting food[4]. Normally, gustation (sense of taste) activates the autonomic nervous system to produce saliva and begin digestion. In gustatory rhinitis, this activation erroneously triggers nasal symptoms as well.
## Role of Capsaicin and Related Compounds
Spicy and sour foods containing capsaicin and related compounds are potent activators of sensory nerves in the mouth and nose[4]. These foods are common triggers for gustatory rhinitis symptoms.
## Desensitization Process
Interestingly, repeated exposure to capsaicin can lead to desensitization of sensory nerve endings[3]. This may explain why some individuals develop tolerance to spicy foods over time.
## Possible Local Allergic Component
Some research has found evidence of local nasal allergic responses in patients diagnosed with non-allergic rhinitis, including gustatory rhinitis[5]. This suggests there may be an allergic component in some cases, even without systemic allergy.
While the exact mechanisms are still debated, this research has improved understanding of the neurological and inflammatory processes underlying gustatory rhinitis. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiology of this condition.
Citations:
[1]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18426138/[2]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502728/[3]
https://www.orli.or.id/index.php/orli/article/download/404/250/934[4]
https://coloradoallergy.com/nose-runs-when-eating/[5]
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/874171-overview[6]
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0801/p171.html[7]
https://www.healthline.com/health/runny-nose-after-eating[8]
https://www.worldallergy.org/component/content/article/rhinitis-in-depth-review-sullivan-a-kushnir-nm-updated-2020?Itemid=101&catid=16What data has sensory research shown on this condition?Recent sensory research has provided several insights into gustatory rhinitis:
## Neurogenic Inflammation
Studies suggest that gustatory rhinitis is associated with neurogenic inflammation triggered by the ingestion of spicy or sour foods[1][3]. This process involves:
- Stimulation of trigeminal sensory nerve endings in the upper aerodigestive tract
- Activation of postganglionic cholinergic muscarinic parasympathetic fibers
- Release of sensory neuropeptides
## Role of Capsaicin and TRPV1 Receptors
Research has focused on the role of capsaicin and its receptors in gustatory rhinitis[2]:
- TRPV1 and VR1 receptors are found on sensory c-fibers in human nasal mucosa
- These receptors play a critical role in developing nasal hyperresponsiveness to environmental factors
- Capsaicin desensitization can potentially control nasal hyperresponsiveness
## Neural Pathways
The condition appears to involve abnormal activation of specific neural pathways[2]:
- An abnormal gustatory reflex is associated with a hyperactive, nonadrenergic, noncholinergic, or peptidergic neural system
- The parasympathetic nervous system is implicated, with a reflex sensitive to atropine
## Neuropeptides and Vasodilation
Sensory research has identified specific neuropeptides involved in gustatory rhinitis[3]:
- Tachykinins (substance P and neurokinin A)
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)
- These neuropeptides cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability when released by sensory nerve endings
## Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation
Studies have shown that gustatory rhinitis involves complex sensory processes[3]:
- Recognition of various inhaled substances requires stimulation of olfactory and trigeminal nerves
- The trigeminal nerve provides sensations ranging from fresh/cold (in response to menthol) to burning/stinging (e.g., ammonia and chlorine)
This sensory research has significantly advanced our understanding of the neurological and inflammatory processes underlying gustatory rhinitis, though further studies are needed to fully elucidate its pathophysiology.
Citations:
[1]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502728/[2]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22143339/[3]
https://www.orli.or.id/index.php/orli/article/download/404/250/934[4]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18426138/[5]
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-to-know-gustatory-rhinitis[6]
https://coloradoallergy.com/nose-runs-when-eating/[7]
https://www.healthline.com/health/runny-nose-after-eating[8]
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/874171-overviewWhere in the genitourinary tract of men are TRPV1 or VR1 located?Based on the research findings, TRPV1 and VR1 receptors are located in several areas of the male genitourinary tract:
## Prostate
- TRPV1-immunoreactive fibers are present in the prostate urethral mucosa, seminal fluid, ejaculatory ducts, and periurethral prostate acini[1][2].
- However, TRPV1-immunoreactive fibers are not detected in the transitional zone and peripheral zone of the prostate gland[1].
## Bladder
- TRPV1 is expressed in the bladder, particularly in the urothelium[2][3].
- TRPV1 mRNA was detected in human bladder tissue samples[2].
## Nerves
- TRPV1 is predominantly expressed on primary sensory afferent nerve fibers innervating the urinary tract[3].
- TRPV1 is found in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons that innervate the prostate and bladder[1][3].
## Other Genitourinary Tissues
- TRPV1 mRNA was detected in human testicle, seminiferous tubules, and scrotal skin[2].
- TRPV1 mRNA was not identified in human corpus cavernosum, glans penis, or overlying glans skin[2].
It's important to note that TRPV1 and VR1 refer to the same receptor - TRPV1 is the current nomenclature, while VR1 was an earlier name for this receptor. The presence of these receptors in various parts of the male genitourinary tract suggests they play important roles in sensory signaling and may be involved in conditions like chronic prostatitis and overactive bladder.
Citations:
[1]
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1459683/full[2]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15311065/[3]
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18136-w[4]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22143339/[5]
https://www.orli.or.id/index.php/orli/article/download/404/250/934[6]
https://www.worldallergy.org/component/content/article/rhinitis-in-depth-review-sullivan-a-kushnir-nm-updated-2020?Itemid=101&catid=16[7]
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/874171-overview[8]
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502728/