Honeymoon rhinitis - The Facts and solutions

Honeymoon rhinitis, often known as Honeymooner's nose, is a disorder that causes nasal congestion after sexual intercourse or excitation. The disorder appears to be genetically determined and induced by the existence of erectile tissue in the nose, which may become engorged during sexual excitement as a side consequence of autonomic nervous system signals that activate changes in both men's and women's genitals. There is also a syndrome known as sexually induced sneezing, in which people sneeze, often uncontrollably, when engaging in or thinking about sexual activity.

Symptoms –

• sneezing
• blocked nose
• runny nose
• itching
• mild irritation or discomfort in the nose-area
• reduced sense of smell

How does it happen?

The sympathetic nervous system is activated during sexual excitement, and blood vessels constrict. This is why there is less blood flow to the nose and why the nose ultimately opens up. This might cause uncomfortable rhinitis-like symptoms, which usually fade slowly after climax.

Prevention, Treatment and Cure-

The treatment for non-allergic rhinitis varies depending on the reason. However, there are some broad principles for treatment that may be advised to treat and/or prevent rhinitis.

• Avoid common non-allergic factors that may cause nasal congestion during sex. If avoidance tactics are ineffective or insufficient, you should visit a doctor about drugs that can help with prevention and symptomatic therapy.
• If triggers cannot be avoided, patients can pre-treat themselves with topical nasal sprays before engaging in the activity. For example, if symptoms arise during sex, your doctor may advise you to take intranasal steroids or antihistamine sprays before getting into bed.
• Fortunately, there are several medications available to treat non-allergic rhinitis. There may be minimal side effects or medication interactions with them. As a result, please see your doctor after thoroughly discussing your issue and before taking any prescription. These may include –
• Intranasal steroid sprays
• Intranasal antihistamines
• Oral antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Ipratropium – an antimuscarinic agent that decreases secretions by inhibiting nasal parasympathetic mucous glands.
• Nasal saline irrigation