**Core Concept:**
The question is related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its response to stimuli, particularly the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus and its interaction with the autonomic nervous system. The ANS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and consists of two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The correct answer, **D** (Rapid, profuse sweating), is related to the sympathetic response. When a person consumes hot and spicy meals, it stimulates the hypothalamus to sense the increased body temperature. The hypothalamus then sends signals to the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from the adrenal medulla. These catecholamines cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating, particularly on the forehead, to help cool the body down.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. (Rapid, profuse sweating) is incorrect as it is the correct answer.
B. (Nasal congestion) is incorrect because it is a symptom rather than the autonomic response.
C. (Rapid, profuse sweating and increased salivation) is incorrect as increased salivation is a parasympathetic response, not related to the question's focus on autonomic responses.
E. (Nasal congestion and tearing) is incorrect because it is a combination of symptoms rather than an autonomic response.

**Clinical Pearl:**
Understanding the autonomic response to stimuli is crucial for medical students, physicians, and healthcare professionals. It helps in understanding the physiological processes involved in thermoregulation and the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in maintaining homeostasis.

**Correct Answer:** D (Rapid, profuse sweating)