American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) President, allergist Sami Bahna, MD, said:
'Kissing' allergies are most commonly found in people who have food or medication allergies. Symptoms include swelling of the lips or throat, rash, hives, itching and wheezing. Food allergies affect about 2 to 3 percent of adults and 5 to 7% of children in the U.S. population, or more than 7 million people, according to the ACAAI. If the urge to kiss is there, what can the couple do about it? Experts advise the partner without an allergy to brush their teeth, rinse their mouths out thoroughly, and to avoid placing anything in their mouths the other person is allergic to for 16 to 24 hours - then they can probably enjoy a kiss. However, sometimes even these measures are not enough.
Dr. Bahna, describes a 30-year old male patient who is allergic peanuts and has had recurrent anaphylaxis - a severe and sometimes fatal reaction to peanuts. The patient, also a doctor himself, would kiss his girlfriend and then break out with a mouth itch and swelling of the lips. Two hours after eating peanuts she had brushed her teeth carefully, rinsed out her mouth many times, and chewed gum before giving him a kiss.
When partner intimacy goes beyond just a kiss, allergic reactions can occur for a variety of reasons in different parts of the body. Some people's bodies cannot tolerate their partner's sperm, others find spermicides, latex and various lubricants trigger a reaction. In some cases the partner's or even their own bodies cause an allergic reaction, as may occur by the release of natural chemical when we are physically and emotionally aroused during sex.
People who are allergic to sperm have two options, say Dr. Bahna. They can either use a condom, or undergo immunotherapy (desensitization) with a professional allergist. In milder cases antihistamines may work.
Dr. Bahna said:
Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
http://www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org
Written by Christian Nordqvist