Cold allergy, or "cold allergy"
Content:
- Cold allergy
- Cold allergy reasons
- How to tell a cold allergy
- Cold allergy symptoms
- Cold allergy treatment
Cold allergy
When cold weather comes, there comes a time of colds and exacerbations of many other diseases, for example, cold allergy, i.e. allergy to cold. Such an allergy is referred to as a pseudo-allergy, since it differs significantly from other allergic reactions.
About 30% of people experience discomfort due to low temperatures outside. As soon as they go out into the cold, their face begins to turn red and swell, it becomes difficult to breathe. It would seem that all the signs of allergies are on the face. But in fact, this pathology is not an allergy in the literal sense. It is not contagious, is not inherited, and is not a chronic disease. In most patients, an unpleasant reaction to the cold can manifest itself for only a few winters, but only on condition that the person realizes himself and seriously takes care of his health.
Cold allergy reasons
The causes of allergy to cold lie in the restless and malfunctioning of mast cells located close to the skin surface. Protecting us during injuries, illnesses and infections, they release a large amount of active substances. In people with hypersensitivity to cold, these substances are consumed during temperature changes.
What is the reason for this phenomenon? It is easy to guess that it is hidden inside our body. These are all the same stomach problems, colds, caries. Seemingly familiar little things drain the immune system - and as a result, we get complications, including allergies to cold.
How to tell a cold allergy
Cold allergies are difficult to detect because their symptoms are not much different from those of a cold. And here and there a runny nose appears and the eyes begin to water. But there are still differences, and the main thing is that with allergies, severe itching begins in the nose, ears, throat, and the body temperature does not rise, as with a cold.
How to understand in advance that you are susceptible to this disease? Test yourself at home. Take a piece of ice from the freezer and place it on the inside of your forearm for 5 minutes. If in 10-15 minutes after removing the ice the skin turns slightly red or whitened, then you should not be afraid. The appearance of edema or a blister is an alarming symptom that speaks of a great sensitivity of the skin.
Cold allergy symptoms
How does cold allergy manifest? Oddly enough, the first and most striking reactions appear in the summer, when a hot person plunges into a cold river, rinses his face with icy water or just eats ice cream. In such situations, the processes are activated and the disease itself arises, which will more loudly declare itself in winter. The skin will itch, redden, flake off and swell. Of course, mostly exposed areas of the body will suffer: face, hands. The unpleasant sensations will gradually disappear as soon as you enter a warm room and get warm, but they will return almost as quickly as soon as you are back on the street.
Cold allergies can occur not only in cold weather, but also from your contact with cold water, in a draft, or when the temperature changes suddenly - for example, when moving from a warm room to a room with colder air. After a while, a pink rash appears on the skin of the face and hands. Itching begins, and sometimes burning. It becomes difficult for a person to breathe, a headache and a drop in pressure may occur.
Caution! Cold allergy is not an independent disease. These can be symptoms of diseases of the gallbladder or organs of the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, liver malfunction.
Cold allergy treatment
In addition to seeing a doctor, which is often delayed until the very last moment, there are simple, effective precautions. You need to dress warmly, use hygienic lipstick, lubricate your face with a special protective cream and take medications half an hour before going outside, so that they have time to prevent an unwanted reaction of the body.
We cannot completely isolate ourselves from cold and frost, and health workers do not advise. It is much more beneficial to train yourself. A morning shower with cool water at the end of the procedure, the contrasting air in the bath “turns on” the protective mechanism - and the person gradually restores the functions he has lost.
At the first signs of a cold allergy, first aid can be provided by antihistamines that contain the active substance desloratadine. It will relieve unpleasant symptoms. But it is imperative to consult an allergist. Only he can prescribe the correct treatment. And when going outside, you need to dress warmly and be sure not to forget about gloves. Synthetic and wool fabrics can aggravate the manifestation of allergies, so clothes should be made of cotton or linen.
The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
