Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can trigger wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. It can be triggered by various factors such as allergies, environmental pollutants, and even sexual activity.

Sex-induced asthma attacks are more common than we might think and can take a toll on the sexual health and well-being of both partners. In this article, we look at what sex-induced asthma is, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What is Sex-induced Asthma?

Sex-induced asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered during sexual activity. It occurs when heightened physical activity, such as during sex, causes airflow obstruction in the lungs, resulting in asthma symptoms.

The symptoms of sex-induced asthma can be mild, moderate, or severe and may vary from person to person.

What are the Symptoms of Sex-induced Asthma?

The symptoms of sex-induced asthma may include:.

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Coughing
Fatigue

Sex-induced asthma attacks may occur during sexual activity or immediately after. The symptoms may persist for a few minutes or several hours. In some cases, sex-induced asthma may pose a severe health risk and may require immediate medical attention.

What Causes Sex-induced Asthma?

Sex-induced asthma is caused by several factors, including:.

Physical exertion: Sexual activity can require physical exertion that may trigger the onset of asthma symptoms. During sexual activity, the heart rate and breathing rate may increase, leading to physical exertion that can trigger asthma.
Allergies: Allergic reactions to substances such as dust mites, perfumes, and lotions used during sex can trigger asthma symptoms.
Emotional stress: Emotional stress during sexual activity can cause the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that can constrict airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
Temperature changes: Sudden temperature changes during sexual activity, such as exposure to cold air, can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

How is Sex-induced Asthma Diagnosed?

If you experience asthma symptoms during or after sexual activity, it is essential to speak to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, lung function tests, and allergy tests to diagnose asthma.

They may also ask you to keep a journal of your symptoms to identify triggers that may be causing your asthma symptoms.

How is Sex-induced Asthma Treated?

The treatment for sex-induced asthma is similar to traditional asthma treatment. Treatment may include:.

Short-acting bronchodilators: These medications quickly open up the airways during an asthma attack.
Long-acting bronchodilators: These medications are used to prevent asthma symptoms and may be used as a long-term maintenance medication.
Inhaled steroids: Inhaled steroids are used to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Leukotriene modifiers: These medications block leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause inflammation in the airways.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy may be used to desensitize your body to specific allergens that trigger asthma symptoms.

It is essential to speak to your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.

In some cases, it may be advisable to avoid triggers that cause your asthma symptoms, such as certain sexual positions or substances that you are allergic to.

Preventing Sex-induced Asthma

Preventing sex-induced asthma may involve avoiding triggers that cause your asthma symptoms. This may include:.

Pre-sex medication: Taking asthma medication before engaging in sexual activity may help to prevent asthma symptoms.
Warming up: Engaging in light exercise or stretching before sexual activity may help to ease the body into physical exertion and help to prevent asthma symptoms.
Communicating with your partner: It is essential to communicate with your partner and avoid sexual positions that may trigger asthma symptoms.
Avoiding allergens: It is important to avoid any allergens that trigger asthma symptoms, such as dust mites, perfumes, and lotions. You may also want to wash your bed linens and mattress covers regularly to keep dust mites at bay.
Staying healthy: Maintaining overall good health may also help to prevent asthma symptoms. This includes getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress.

Conclusion

Sex-induced asthma may be a relatively common condition that can take a toll on one’s sexual health and wellness. Understanding the causes and symptoms of sex-induced asthma is the first step in managing the condition.

It is essential to speak to your healthcare provider if you experience asthma symptoms during or after sexual activity. With proper management, sex-induced asthma can be controlled, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and active sex life.