Allergies May Put Damper On Sex Life

Itchy, watery eyes and constant sneezing associated with allergies can be a real pain, and in more ways than one.

Allergies can affect everything from productivity at work to your sex life.

A recent survey of 300 adults by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology showed that 94 percent of allergy sufferers said their quality of life was negatively affected.

Despite this, only 50 percent of allergy sufferers consider the disease to be a serious medical condition and nearly two-thirds did not see an allergist or other doctor the last time their symptoms acted up, according to the study.

Sixty-eight percent of people reported difficulty getting a good night's sleep. Fifty-three percent said allergies inhibited doing outdoor activities.

Fifty percent had difficulty with concentration and 43 percent said productivity at work was adversely affected. Thirteen percent of people reported that even their sex life was affected.

"What people need to know is that there is no need to suffer the health and quality of life consequences of allergies, and they should seek the help of a medical expert," said Dr. Bobby Lanier, president of ACAAI.

This fall, about 50 million Americans will suffer from allergic symptoms, according to the organization. Seasonal allergies are caused by pollens or mold spores, and year-round allergies are caused by indoor allergens.

According to the study, sufferers often confuse allergy symptoms with the common cold because the conditions may mimic each other. Of those sufferers surveyed, 41 percent thought they had a cold or virus when they first began suffering with allergies.

Indicators of a cold include a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore scratchy throat, fatigue and sometimes a fever. Some of the signs of seasonal allergies can include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion or itchy throat.

Because these symptoms are easy to confuse, the ACAAI notes that it is imperative to involve an allergist or personal physician when any of these symptoms linger.