Weird Question

I have noticed for quite some time that whenever I eat my nose runs horribly.  Doesnt matter what I eat, it happens.  It is so aggervatinig.  Happens for about 15 mins after I eat too.  Wondering if this had anything to do with WLS.  I honestly dont know how long it has been going on, but I have noticed some pretty "open" questions on here, so I though a little runny nose question shouldnt offend anyone! 

This sometimes happens when you have dumping. Not everyone gets it. I never really dump other than a runny nose. It's kinda strange, I've had it since surgery. I'm also looking in to a revision. Good luck to you!!

Yes, when I dump it's much worse, along with getting very hot, sweaty, fast hear rate and upset tummy.  But, like tonight, for dinner we had baked chicken with Feta Cheese on it, potatoes and peas...nothing that *should* make me dump...weird...but oh well...nothing I can do about it.  Just thought I would see if it happens to others too.

Interesting....with my surgery (VSG) physcially I'm not supposed to be able to 'dump' but my surgeon said that in some cases I might get a mild 'dumping' reaction just like a bypass...and BOY DO I!!!!  No one has ever REALLY explained to me what happens with dumping so I didn't know that what was happening to me was that.  I get very hot and sweaty and somewhat ill-feeling for like 15-20 min and maybe even a bit dizzy.  Interesting.. Thanks for sharing!

When I had my first surgery (Lapband)  I was told that the beginning of your nose running was a 'soft stop' which was a sign that if you ate anymore it would be tooooo much.  Some people get the nose running, some people get a small hiccup and some people get nothing.  As a matter of fact I got 2 of the 3 today when I was eating!!!  And had I paid attention I wouldn't have had to go spit up my last bite I took.  My nose ran just a little bit and I let out a hiccup and then swallowed what was in my mouth...MISTAKE!!!!  Your body has subtle little signs.  I just didn't believe people when they said I would only be able to eat like 5-6 actual bites of food and be full now with my VSG...but they're right!!!!  Good luck to you!

What medications are you taking? What foods are you eating when it happens?

                                           

                                      

It pretty much happens with anything that I eat.  I take Prevacid, Voltaren (spelling?), Welbutrin and Celexa.  I take my meds in the AM with my coffee, it doesnt happen then, just with food.  Oh well...right?

Hello, Shawna,

Absent other far less likely sequella going on- what you describe is pretty common. Clear, watery drainage from both nostrils that occurs while eating is a form of nonallergic rhinitis. Specifically, your condition may be simple gustatory rhinitis- a kind of specialized vasomotor rhinitis. It is more annoying than harmful. "Vasomotor" refers to the nasal lining's exaggerated response to irritation -- symptoms in your case likely caused by the taste or smell of food.

While there is no simple cure for vasomotor/gustatory rhinitis that I am aware of, if this really is problematic for you, significant relief often can be had by using the anticholinergic drug ipratropium (Atrovent) in nasal-spray form. It's generally considered safe for long-term use and is by prescription only. Check with your doctor or a specialist in ENT. (Otorhinolaryngology)

Additionally, avoiding caffeinated drinks can be of some utility since these can cause dehydration and actually make your symptoms worse.

How's the revision research coming? Have you gotten anything specific IN WRITING from your insurance company? It won't do simply taking the word of ANY REP over the phone. Just a word to the wise and good luck.

Rockne