India, Oct. 23 -- Do you also love spicy food but avoid it because it often leaves you with a runny nose? You are not alone. From fiery curries to chilli snacks, spicy dishes can trigger an unexpected nasal reaction, even when you are not suffering from a cold. But why does this happen, and what goes on inside your body when you eat something spicy? In this edition of 'Everyday Explained,' HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Sumit Kumar Gaur, Senior Consultant in ENT, Apollo hospital, Bannerghatta road, to understand the science behind this.

According to Dr Gaur, a runny nose while eating spicy food is a condition known as gustatory rhinitis. It is a form of non-allergic rhinitis in which the nose produces excess watery mucus in response to certain...