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Common Allergies May Thwart Sex Life

Category: Allergy Testing

Aside from the irritating physical effects allergies, the sneezing and watery eyes may frustrate the sex lives of sufferers, new research reveals.

A study published in the latest edition of Allergy and Asthma Proceedings indicated that 83 percent of people with allergic rhinitis stated that their allergies affected sexual activities, CNN Health reports. Researchers compared survey answers from a set of more than 700 people comprised of allergy sufferers, people with similar symptoms who do not have the condition, and a control group.

Compared to the other two groups, allergy sufferers described the greatest losses in sexual activity.

Sufferers of allergic rhinitis experience symptoms such as itching, swelling and sniffling when exposed to allergens like pollen or dust.

Dr Michael S. Benninger, the study's lead author, wrote "It can be speculated that the chronic obstruction, runny nose, sneezing and decreased small may all result in impacting the satisfaction of sexual activity." He added that allergies are capable of affecting the individual's attitudes regarding how "sexy" he or she feels.

The National Institutes of Health reports that tests used to discern to which substances a person is allergic include skin tests, elimination-type tests, and blood tests.