CAUSES OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO COLD

Allergic reactions to cold can be caused by a variety of factors.

Allergy to cold is often triggered by impaired functioning of the immune system. This type of allergy can manifest itself due to debilitating diseases and affect the life process of the body as a whole. Like every type of allergy, infectious and chronic diseases, a long course of antibiotics, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dysfunction of the endocrine glands provoke the onset of cold allergy symptoms.

Also, the cause of cold allergies can be cancer, liver and kidney diseases. Quite often, this type of allergy is inherited, or it manifests itself in serious stressful situations. Allergic people who suffer from other types of allergies (most often respiratory allergies) are also susceptible to manifestations of an allergy to cold. [4]

 Cold allergy symptoms.

A characteristic feature of cold allergy is dermatosis, that is, diseases of the skin that is not protected by clothing – hands, face, often lips. Pale pink or even bright red rashes, blisters, hardening of the skin, peeling, swelling covering exposed areas of the skin are the most common signs of a cold allergy. [2, 6]

Often a symptom of an allergy to cold is cold rhinitis, that is, sneezing, copious mucous discharge, but the runny nose suddenly disappears when moving into a warm room.

Cold conjunctivitis is also a fairly common manifestation of cold allergy. This causes significant redness of the eyes and profuse tearing. Cold conjunctivitis differs from the usual reaction to a piercing wind in the duration and frequency of pain. This is the most dangerous allergic reaction for contact lens wearers. Also, with cold conjunctivitis, you should not apply bright makeup on the eyes.

Sometimes lesions of the whole body are observed, chills, frequent pulse, a feeling of constriction in the throat and airways, headache, dizziness occur. Quite often, intermittent breathing and migraines are observed, accompanied by freezing of the jaws, which can develop into a disease such as inflammation of the facial nerve.

Often, hypothermia leads not only to cold allergies, but also to sciatica, that is, inflammation of the roots of the spinal nerves in humans. To prevent this from happening, hypothermia must be prevented. Wear warm clothing made from mostly natural fabrics, and if hypothermia has already occurred, then immediately warm up with a warm drink (but by no means alcoholic!), Take a bath and rub your lower back with warming agents. [3]

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF COLD ALLERGY

How to diagnose cold allergy?

Do a simple test at home. Apply a piece of ice to the exposed area of the body for 15 minutes. If after this itching, blisters, prolonged redness appear, and these symptoms do not go away for a long time, then the test is considered positive and you should prepare more carefully for contact with the cold, even if it is cold water in reservoirs and refreshing drinks on a hot day.

It is also worth noting that if someone in your family suffers from a cold allergy, then when testing with ice, wait for manifestations for several hours.

Treatment (only after consultation with a doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis)

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for this allergy today, since the allergen itself is absent. The main task is to eliminate the symptoms of cold allergies, as well as general procedures to strengthen immunity.

The most common treatment for cold allergy is antihistamine medication, which neutralizes excess histamine. But most of these drugs have serious side effects, so it is best to take them in the lowest acceptable doses.

General health procedures, as well as a special diet that excludes “allergic” foods, in particular citrus fruits, chocolate, nuts, etc., can have a beneficial effect.

Also, for the treatment of cold allergies, traditional medicine methods are used, namely herbal treatment.