- Allergy to cold - an inadequate immune response of the body
- Stages of allergic reactions
As strange as it may sound, some people have actually observed allergic to cold temperatures. This violation of the effects of low temperatures cause redness, itching, swelling and / or rash on the skin, very similar to the symptoms of ordinary hives. People who are allergic to cold, should be avoided if possible as the contact with the cold air and cold water. For example, swimming in cold water is one of the most common causes of severe allergic reaction to the cold, affecting the whole body.
In some cases, its effects are fainting, shock and even death. If you think that you are allergic to cold, consult a doctor. To prevent allergic reactions sometimes recommended to take antihistamines directly before the body will be exposed to low temperatures.
Symptoms
Allergy symptoms of the cold appear immediately after the fall of the ambient temperature. Sometimes, the symptoms get worse when they return to the heat. In most cases, the allergic reaction is initiated when the skin is exposed to temperatures below 4.4S, but sometimes occurs at higher temperatures.
Moist air and windy weather increases the likelihood of an allergic reaction to cold.
Among the symptoms of allergy to the cold:
- Reddish rashes and itching in the affected areas of the skin
- Edema on his hands if the patient keeps or kept cold objects
- The appearance of swelling on the lips as a result of eating cold food
- In rare cases - severe swelling of the tongue and throat that can obstruct breathing or make it impossible
Some patients are allergic to the cold affects the whole body. This is called a systemic allergic reaction. Its symptoms may include: lightheadedness or fainting, vomiting, increased heart rate, swelling of the limbs or trunk.
For some people who are allergic to cold, exposure to cold can be very dangerous. The strongest reactions occur, usually under the influence of low temperature on a large part of the surface of the skin. The release of large amounts of histamine and other chemicals associated with the work of the immune system, can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, fainting, shock; in very rare cases of allergic reactions resulting in death. While swimming in cold water the patient is allergic to cold may lose consciousness and drown.
Milder allergic reactions to the cold did not seem particularly dangerous, but it is impossible to tell how intense will be the next response in a particular patient.
Some patients are allergic to the cold after some time disappears by itself; in others it can last for many years.
Be sure to consult a doctor if you notice in yourself or your child have symptoms of an allergic reaction after exposure to cold. When such symptoms of severe allergic reactions like dizziness
Dizziness - if the ground is slipping from under his feet
, Shortness of breath, feeling of tightness in the throat, you need to seek emergency medical care.
Causes
It is known that the cold allergy symptoms are the result that, after exposure to cold is released histamine.
Scientists do not know exactly why the immune system reacts to the cold as the danger and begins to throw out the blood histamine. Perhaps some people have skin cells become too sensitive to cold - it may be a feature of congenital and acquired, for example, as a result of this illness.
Risk factors
- Age. Allergy to cold most often develops in children and young people aged up to 25 years. Typically it is 2-3 years.
- Viral infections. Mycoplasma pneumonia and mononucleosis
Mononucleosis - forecast favorable
associated with an increased risk of developing an allergy to cold.
- The presence of other major diseases. Allergy to cold may occur in patients with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications
Hepatitis
Hepatitis - the scourge of our time
or cancer.