‘Snatiation’ explained as medical condition can make going out for dinner awkward

Ever found yourself suddenly overcome with a runny nose after eating? Or, have you regularly been bursting into a fit of sneezing?

If you’re nodding along to the above then you may well be experiencing something called ‘snatiation’.

While the phenomenon doesn’t have an exact global count, some scientists think snatiation, which can make dinner dates unpleasant, could be hereditary.

But what causes the issue, and what can be done to prevent it?

Here’s everything you need to know about snatiation, including whether it can be harmful to your health, and what are the common symptoms.

What is snatiation?

If you combine the words ‘sneeze’ and ‘satiation’, which means being full or satisfied, you come to the hybrid term ‘snatiation’.

You may also hear this condition being called gustatory rhinitis in scientific circles.

Too much food or certain tastes can cause snatiation, according to experts (Getty Stock Image)

According to Healthline, people who regularly suffer with snatiation may find their nasal passageways irritated after eating large quantities of food, or gorging on certain edible items.

This nasal irritation can manifest into extreme, uncontrollable sneezing fits.

Snatiation is thought to be genetic, with the outlet reporting that it doesn’t cause any health problems.

Instead, it’s just a little bit annoying, and may make eating out with your friends and family awkward.

What foods can trigger snatiation?

Uncontrollable sneezing and a runny nose are two of the symptoms of snatiation (Getty Stock Image)

UCLA Health stated that post-meal sneezing is often caused by spicy and/or pungent foods.

These can include horseradish, peppercorns, pickled food, wasabi, and even dark chocolate and hot soup.

Symptoms of snatiation

Some common symptoms of snatiation, such as having a stuffy or runny nose, usually arise after you’ve finished eating, as per Web MD.

Experts have likened symptoms brought on by this type of nonallergic rhinitis to those exhibited in hay fever sufferers.

However, unlike allergic rhinitis, snatiation sufferers are unlikely to experience itching of the eyes, throat, or nose.

Is there a cure for snatiation?

There is no known sure for the issue, but scientists recommend you eat smaller portions if you're affected (Getty Stock Image)

Unfortunately for serial sneezers, scientists are yet to discover a cure for snatiation.

However, if you believe your gustatory rhinitis is being caused by a food allergy, it’s worth talking to your doctor.

How to prevent snatiation

If your controllable sneezing takes place after you’ve eaten a large quantity of food, then Medical News Today suggests you reduce your portion sizes.

Instead of several large plates, try eating smaller meals more frequently.

If your issue is caused by certain foods, then there are a variety of practices that may help.

These include:

• Taking over-the-counter meds that reduce nasal sensitivity
• Using over-the-counter antihistamine nasal sprays
• Avoid triggering foods
• Holding your breath and counting to 10 in an attempt to inhibit the sneezing reflex
• Pinching the bridge of the nose to stop the sneeze.