When I eat spicy Mexican, Indian, or Italian food, I often have to wipe my eyes–and blow my nose–after eating some of it…again and again. Why? (I’ve long since become accustomed to Chinese mustard.) So far as I know I’m not allergic to anything. Why would jalapeños and curry and Italian spices cause such a reaction?
Spicy foods contain Capsaicin which irritates mucus producing membranes and tear glands. They in turn produce mucus and tears to wash away the irritants.