According to unbiased statistics, allergic reactions take place in 20% of the inhabitants of our planet. And the number of allergic people grows every year, and new provoking factors are added to the already familiar reactions to fluff, wool, dust, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food. A few years ago, most scientists denied the presence of an allergy to cold due to the absence of the allergen itself. However, according to recent studies, the effects of minus temperatures can lead to an increased release of histamine with swelling, itching, reddening of the mucous membranes and skin. In this regard, such a topic as cold allergy symptoms and treatment at the current time is very relevant.
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Causes of development and occurrence of cold allergy
Most often, the provoking factor leading to allergic reactions to cold is a decrease in the natural protective functions of the body. With a similar problem, people of 20-30 years old, who suffered one of the diseases capable of provoking the development of an allergy, are first encountered. These include mononucleosis of the infectious type, measles, lupus erythematosus, rubella and various disorders of the thyroid gland.
Worms, chronic sinusitis, cholecystitis and a number of other ailments can cause an allergic reaction to the cold. It contributes to the emergence and continued use of antibiotics, destruction of normal intestinal microflora, allergies to food and other irritants, as well as genetic predisposition.
Symptoms are manifested under the influence of exogenous factors, such as a combination of windy weather with a minus temperature or in the case of prolonged contact with cold water while bathing or washing dishes. The greatest risk factor provoking allergic reactions to minus temperatures is stress.
Symptoms of cold allergy
Even a completely healthy person experiences a certain discomfort, getting into a warm room from a cold street. In open areas of the skin, such as face and hands, you can see obvious redness. They are a consequence of the rush of blood to the vessels, sharply expanded in the heat. However, after about half an hour all such effects must pass. The cold allergy lasts an order of magnitude longer, and its symptoms are expressed as follows:
- chills and migraines;
- cough and tears;
- swelling of the sinuses of the nose, tongue, larynx, mucous membranes and individual areas of the skin;
- itching with burning, which is often accompanied by peeling( for clarity, it is worth familiar with the photo);
- occurrence of various seals and blisters;
- rashes on the face and other open areas of the body are red, whitish or pale pink.
As the above described features are typical for a number of other diseases, it is quite problematic to identify the presence of an allergy to the cold. It is capable of masking under ARI, colds, dermatitis or other ailment. In the event that immediately after going out to the street, migraine attacks begin, accompanied by nausea, reduces the muscles of the neck and face, or there are compressive sensations in the region of the occipital region, it is possible to diagnose the allergic reaction to cold with a high degree of probability.
The first reactions in adult people are usually manifested in the form of redness on the hands. The skin first itches strongly, then becomes covered with numerous microcracks, coarsens and becomes much drier. Children primarily suffer from a person. My nose, lips, chin and cheeks grow red. After the baby begins to rub the cirrhotic spots, the appearance of the rashes becomes very similar to the exacerbation of the herpes virus.
If during the first minutes after leaving the warm apartment for frost the child begins to have trouble breathing in the throat, itching in the nose along with stuffiness and runny nose, it is likely that the reason lies in the cold allergy. Such reactions can also be expressed in abundant lacrimation, similar to manifestations of conjunctivitis, difficulty breathing and even bronchospasm. Sharp mood swings and a sudden feeling of extreme fatigue after going out into the street can similarly indicate a cold allergy.
Experiment for the presence of a cold allergy
In order to find out how an allergy to cold appears and whether there is an individual predisposition to it, it is worthwhile to conduct a simple experiment. A small piece of ice is applied to the inner side of the forearm, and if a quarter of an hour after that the skin is slightly red or white, then allergy to cold can be not afraid. If in the given area the blister or an edema was formed, then it is best to make an appointment without delay to an allergist.
How to treat cold allergy?
Since in the cold period of the year such a provoking factor as low temperature is very difficult to avoid, treatment of such a disease causes a number of significant difficulties. At the moment, official medicine in the fight against cold allergy uses mainly antihistamines. However, this solution allows you to partially stop the symptoms, but overall it has a rather low efficiency. In addition, the antihistamine group of drugs has a lot of side effects and their long-term use can cause serious damage to the kidneys, liver, nervous system and form a dependence.
Methods of treatment
The methods of treatment of cold allergy assume a complex approach, because only in this case it is possible to achieve positive results. People who suffer from a predisposition to allergic reactions to cold are advised to observe the following safety precautions:
- Before leaving on frost, it is worth to lubricate the exposed areas of the body with a moisturizing cream or ointment. For lips you can use a special hygienic lipstick.
- Infants with a predisposition to cold allergy should be as protective as possible from the wind and cold temperatures. Adults need to take care of the presence of a hood, waterproof mittens and a warm scarf in advance.
- People with insignificant manifestations of allergic reactions to cold can recommend hardening and wiping with ice water. People with a violent reaction to frost should refrain from such methods, as they can provoke the development of anaphylactic shock and other negative consequences.
- It is necessary to increase your own immunity with vitamins, physical activity and a balanced diet, including a large number of products containing omega-3 fatty acids.
- As a medicine effective in fighting cold allergies and with a minimum of side effects, many physicians advise using an aqueous solution of the drug mummy. The gram of this product is stirred in a liter of warm water and is taken in the morning to 100 ml. For babies and children under 3 years of age, the amount of solution should not exceed 50 ml per day.
Very good effect on the treatment of cold allergy application of various folk remedies. The root of burdock, flowers of violets, fresh blueberries, calendula, walnut leaves, string and mint are especially effective in fighting this disease. In case of allergy symptoms on the scalp, you can lubricate it with a mixture of vegetable oil with young shoots of pine or lemon juice. Such a symptom, as a strong tear of the eyes, is removed by washing the mucous membranes with a decoction of a blue cornflower. An excellent tool for the prevention of allergies is the regular use of natural birch sap.
One of the most modern methods of treatment is autolymphocytotherapy, during which a patient is administered a certain amount of lymphocytes isolated directly from his blood. The procedure is repeated several times with an interval of 2 days. At home, to combat cold allergy it is recommended to periodically do inhalations with decoction broth or use a decoction of finely chopped cones.
Important! Admission of antihistamines should be mandatory with the attending physician.
During seasonal exacerbation of symptoms, it is necessary to refrain from drinking alcohol and foods such as coffee, chocolate, fruits and vegetables of red color. From heavily chilled drinks and food, it is best to give up not only in the winter-autumn period, but also in the warm season.