Allergies can affect love life
People with highly sensitive allergies may have a tough time having a good love life, says a finding by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
According to Dr. Sami Bahna, president of ACAAI, basic intimate contact or kissing can sometimes trigger allergic reactions. Allergens can continue to linger in a partner’s mouth after ingestion despite cleansing the mouth, which can then get transferred to the sufferer during intimate moments leading to severe allergies.
“We're talking about those few whose immune system can react vigorously to a minute amount of allergen,” said Bahna, who also serves as chief of allergy and immunology at Louisiana State University Medical School in Shreveport.
“For these people, yes, a very little quantity of food or medicine on the lips or the mouth or the saliva can cause a problem. And for these people we're not just talking about a passionate kiss. Even a non-passionate kiss on the cheek or the forehead can cause a severe reaction to this kind of extremely sensitive allergic individual.”
ACAAI estimates about 7 million people in America suffer from food allergies. It is higher in children as compared to adults.
For those who are sensitive, it is common to experience a sudden flare up of allergic reactions such as lip-swelling, throat-swelling, rash, hives, itching, or wheezing immediately after kissing a partner, who might have come in contact with the allergen. This effect can stay for hours.
“People need to know that intimate contact with individuals who've eaten or consumed suspect foods or medicines can also cause problems,” said Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, a clinical instructor at New York University's School of Medicine, New York City, and an attending physician in the allergy and immunology department of Long Island College Hospital.
“So, for people with a significant food allergy it's always better to play it safe by making sure that everyone knows that in all situations these foods are strictly off-limits.”
The partner needs to be honest and aware of what can cause a reaction. In fact, people with food allergies should make their partners aware of the substances that can trigger a reaction. This becomes even more important when the reaction is life threatening.