Most of us have coughed a little after we’ve eaten because of allergies, reflux, or simply having chowed down too quickly. But having a big “Achoo!” moment after you finish a meal seems more mysterious. Actually, this phenomenon is so common that there’s a name for it: “snatiation.”
Why the Nose May Explode After Eating
Snatiation (a mash-up of “sneeze” and “satiation”) was coined to describe post-meal sneezing, “particularly after consuming a large meal,” explains Arturo Bravo, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Willowbrook and Cypress hospitals.
The exact reason you sneeze is unknown, but some theorize that it’s linked to the stretching of the stomach when you’re full, which might trigger the nerve responsible for the sneezing reflex, he notes.
Snatiation is believed to be an autosomal dominant trait, “meaning it runs in families and you have about a 50% chance of inheriting it from one of your parents,” says Kara Wada, M.D., an allergist and immunologist based in Ohio.
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The Food Connection
Your post-meal sneezing might also have to do with what’s on your plate: Spicy or pungent foods such as garlic, mustard, wasabi, hot peppers, and cinnamon can cause gustatory rhinitis, which can lead to a runny nose or sneezing, says Dr. Bravo.
Even foods that are hot in temperature, such as that steaming bowl of soup, can make you sneeze. “It’s not an allergic reaction but rather an overstimulation of the nasal nerves by environmental triggers,” he explains. The symptoms can also be triggered by irritants such as smoke and strong odors.
How to Stop Snatiation
While there’s no surefire way to avoid it, eating smaller meals and taking more time to chew can help, says Dr. Wada, and staying away from trigger foods can also be beneficial.
If you consistently experience a runny nose, sniffles, or sneezing after you eat, ask your doctor about ipratropium nasal spray, which is used to treat runny noses brought on by allergies and colds, adds Dr. Wada.
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