How asthmatic people can maintain healthy sex lives

Asthma should not prevent people from having sex. Unfortunately for many couples, asthma has been a factor for a poor sex life and the severity of the condition has caused some couples to seek marriage counselling. Two-thirds of 350 people surveyed in 2011 had said that breathing conditions hampered their sex life. The results of the study were presented at the 96th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society, with the authors concluding that the relationship between asthma and sexual activity should be further studied and documented. It was suggested that as with certain types of exercise, sexual activity can trigger an asthma attack.

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Health professionals have come up with some solutions that could reduce the risk of an attack and improve a person’s sex life.

Experiment with positions: There could be positions that place more pressure on the chest area. These can cause shortness of breath or even invite more allergens to be inhaled (depending on where the bed is located as well). People with asthma should consider experimenting with positions that allow them to remain upright during sex. Not only will this reduce the risk of an attack, it can also improve a couple’s sex life.

Medicine first: Sex should be considered a strenuous physical activity and should follow the same procedures one would do before engaging in a sport. If the individual takes medications (like a bronchodilator), he or she should medicate before having sex. This, of course, should be approved by a medical professional beforehand.

Image source: asthma.about.com

Full disclosure between the patient and his or her doctor is important. The medical professional can design a more effective plan for treating the condition so that the individual can lead a productive life.

Dr. Robert R. Beltran is an expert in otolaryngological conditions, having treated patients for years. Learn more about this field of medicine by liking this Facebook page.