Cold allergy: treatment, causes, symptoms and prevention

As you know, any allergy is a response of the immune system to the impact of a factor. And sometimes the body reacts inappropriately to the influence of low temperatures. Treating an allergy to cold is difficult, especially when it comes to the winter season, when it is almost impossible to eliminate contact with the allergen.

Many people who are faced with this problem are interested in any additional information. What stimulates the response from the immune system? Are there any risk factors? What are the symptoms of a cold allergy? What does a patient with a similar diagnosis look like? What treatment methods can be considered truly effective? The answers to these questions are interesting to many readers.

What is a pathology?

A cold allergy is a problem that many people face. In fact, such a pathology is associated with some disorders in the functioning of the immune system. For one reason or another, under the influence of low temperatures, the body begins to produce specific antibodies and mediators. As a result of their release, processes that are similar in nature to inflammation are activated. Allergic reactions are accompanied by the appearance of skin rash, edema, as well as smooth muscle spasm and some other symptoms.

People are affected by the problem, regardless of gender and age - they are diagnosed with an allergy to cold in infants no less often than in adult patients.

In some people, the reaction from the immune system appears when the ambient temperature drops to -20 ... -24 ° C, while in others, symptoms can be observed already at -4 ° C. Edema and skin rashes sometimes occur in contact with cool water, for example, after washing dishes or while bathing in a pond. Sometimes signs of an allergy appear immediately, and sometimes even after the patient has managed to warm up.

Cold Allergy: Causes and Risk Factors

Any allergy is related to the functioning of the immune system. And in modern medicine, risk factors are distinguished, the impact of which increases the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Their list includes:

• the presence in the body of chronic foci of infection or inflammation (for example, chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, tooth decay);
• uncontrolled and / or prolonged use of antibacterial agents;
• infection of the body with various types of helminths;
• disorders of the digestive tract;
• diseases of the liver and pancreas;
• dysbiosis;
• some kidney disease;
• a change in the hormonal background, diseases of the organs of the endocrine system;
• immunodeficiency states;
• oncological diseases;
• previously transferred colds;
• physical exhaustion, constant stress, nervous strain.

It is proved that there is a hereditary factor. If a person has close relatives who are hypersensitive to cold, then this increases the likelihood of developing such a disease.

According to statistics, patients who have an inadequate response to cold also suffer from other forms of allergies (for example, they have hypersensitivity to foods, plant pollen, etc.).

Stages of the development of the disease

A similar pathology develops in several stages. Modern scientists distinguish three stages of allergy, each of which is characterized by certain processes.

• The first stage (immunological) is accompanied by the development of sensitization. The body is first encountered by an allergen and begins to produce appropriate antibodies. At this stage, some symptoms are usually absent.
• The second stage is characterized by the synthesis of mediators, which, in fact, provide an allergic reaction. The list of mediators includes acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, heparin. These substances act on the body, causing vasodilation, redness of the skin, the release of fluid into the intercellular space and the formation of edema.
• At the third stage, you can already observe the appearance of symptoms, for example, rash, edema, etc.

It is worth noting that an allergic reaction to cold is characterized by the absence of the first stage (sensitization processes). Under the influence of cold on the body, the synthesis of specific mediators immediately occurs.

Cold allergy: what does a sick person look like? Description of the main symptoms

The clinical picture may be different - it all depends on the state of the patient's body and the degree of sensitivity. According to statistics, most often allergy symptoms appear after a decrease in temperature to -4 ... -5 ° C. For some people, signs become apparent after they enter a warm room.

• First of all, an allergy to cold appears on the skin of the face, tissues of the hands, neck and other open areas. That is, in those places that are in direct contact with cold air.
• On the skin, reddening sites form, a small rash appears. Sometimes you can observe swelling of the subcutaneous tissues (most often manifested on the lips). Burning and itching of the skin is another characteristic symptom.
• In the most severe cases, allergies are not only accompanied by skin lesions. Patients suffer from systemic reactions - there is swelling of the mucous membranes, spasm of the larynx and bronchi, a rapid heartbeat. Sometimes people complain of severe chills, dizziness, attacks of weakness, which can result in a short-term loss of consciousness.

Forms of an Allergic Reaction

Of course, allergies are not always accompanied by the above violations. There are other forms of this pathology, each of which is characterized by a certain set of symptoms.

• The most common is the so-called cold urticaria. Allergy is manifested in those parts of the integument that are in direct contact with cold air or liquid. The appearance of redness of the skin is observed. Patients note itching and burning in the affected areas. Gradually, small vesicles with liquid contents form - the rash resembles a nettle burn. Sometimes the process extends to neighboring areas of the skin that are not amenable to low temperatures.
• Perhaps the development of cold dermatitis. Redness and itching of the skin are the first symptoms of such a disease. The affected integuments become dry, begin to peel off. The skin here is thinning, often covered with small cracks and erosions, which heal very slowly.
• Exposure to cold can lead to the development of allergic rhinitis. Pathology is accompanied by the appearance of copious mucous secretions. By the way, a runny nose, as a rule, appears after a person warms up.
• Cold conjunctivitis is another form of cold allergy. Edema is formed on the eyes, or rather, their mucous membrane (conjunctiva). Patients complain of severe itching and burning. Perhaps increased lacrimation.

If such symptoms appear, you should consult an allergist or immunologist. In any case, you should not ignore the problem.

Associated complications

The above forms of an allergic reaction are the most common. However, there are other symptoms that may accompany pathological sensitivity to cold.

• An allergy to cold on the skin of the face can be accompanied by so-called meteorological cheilitis. Pathology is characterized by damage to the tissues of the lips. As a rule, the inflammatory process primarily affects the border of the lower lip - it becomes dry, acquires a brighter shade. Gradually, the pathology covers more and more tissues. The skin of the lips becomes dry, becomes covered with painful cracks, and then yellowish crusts.
• An allergic reaction is often accompanied by increased lacrimation. The effect of cold and frost causes a narrowing of the nasolacrimal canal, as a result of which the lacrimal fluid that forms does not enter the nasopharynx, but rolls over the edge of the eyelid.
• Sometimes hypersensitivity to cold is accompanied by persistent spasm of the bronchi - a person is practically unable to breathe in the frosty air.

Of course, each of the above symptoms should be reported to the doctor. In this case, a thorough diagnosis is required.

Diagnostic measures

Only the attending physician can make the correct diagnosis. First, the specialist conducts a general examination, collects an anamnesis, is interested in the presence of certain symptoms. Blood tests are performed to help identify the inflammatory process. Sometimes additional diagnostic procedures are shown.

By the way, you can try to determine the presence of skin allergies at home. To do this, you need only a piece of ice - you need to wrap it with a cloth and attach it to the skin on the inside of the forearm. After 15 minutes, the integument is examined - normally they either turn red or become paler. If large blisters or a small rash of the type of urticaria appear on the skin, this may indicate an increased sensitivity to low temperatures.

Drug therapy

The treatment regimen for a cold allergy is made by the attending physician. Here a lot depends on the age and general condition of the patient, the degree of sensitivity to the effects of low temperatures, as well as many other factors.

It is worth noting that drug treatment of allergies only helps to eliminate the main symptoms, but not at all to save a person from such a disease.

In order to remove the already manifested violations and stop the further development of an allergic reaction, antihistamines are used. Such medicines as Suprastin, Claritin, Tavegil are considered effective. These are new generation drugs that are not addictive, do not lead to drowsiness.

If bronchospasm occurs, then bronchodilators, in particular, Hexoprenaline, Salbutamol, Formoterol, Berodual N, are included in the treatment regimen.

Treatment of allergies to cold in adults sometimes involves the use of ointments, which contain glucocorticosteroids. Effective drugs are Hydrocortisone, Oxycort, Topicort, Dekaderm, and Akloveit. Ointments help to quickly stop the inflammatory process. They almost instantly relieve itching, burning and redness. Such drugs sometimes lead to the development of very serious side effects, so they are used only in the most severe cases.

Sometimes patients are referred for plasmapheresis, a procedure that helps cleanse the blood of inflammatory mediators, antibodies, and toxic substances. In some cases, it is advisable to take immunosuppressants - such drugs suppress the activity of the immune system and, accordingly, relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

As already mentioned, the likelihood of developing a cold allergy increases if there are foci of chronic inflammation in the body. Therefore, diseases such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries should be treated on time. If the patient has dysbiosis, then the treatment regimen includes drugs such as Linex, Hilak, Bifiform. Such drugs help to populate the mucous membranes with beneficial bacteria and create the necessary conditions for their further reproduction.

How to prevent the development of an allergic reaction?

Drug therapy only helps to cope with existing symptoms. The rest of the time, doctors recommend that patients observe some precautions:

• Do not forget to dress according to the weather. Do not refuse to wear scarves and hats. Hands need to be “insulated” with warm gloves, and the hood will protect you from sudden gusts of wind. By the way, if we are talking about underwear and clothes that are in direct contact with the skin, then you should give preference to outfits made from natural fabrics, for example, linen or cotton. Synthetics, as well as wool, irritate the skin, which can only aggravate the situation with allergies.
• Before going out, it is recommended to drink some warm, warming drink. In this case, we are not talking about alcohol - strong drinks can only increase the inadequate response from the immune system.
• Open areas of the skin (for example, face, hands) must be lubricated with a protective cream before going out. It should be a greasy, dense product that creates a film on the surface of the skin. But from the moisturizer in this case, you should refuse. Humidity, frost and wind are a bad combination.
• It is worth taking a responsible attitude to nutrition. Together with food, the body should receive the vitamins, minerals and other useful substances it needs so much. This has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system.
• The protection of the body needs to be strengthened - experts recommend maintaining physical fitness, engage in feasible sports.
• It is recommended to temper the body, for example, using a regular cold shower. Of course, you need to lower the temperature slowly and gradually. Procedures are best started in the summer. If done correctly, the body will have time to get used to the effects of low temperatures.
• Twice a year, doctors recommend the prophylactic intake of vitamin complexes.

Prevention in this case is much more effective than treatment. Following simple rules can help prevent allergy symptoms.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment of allergies to cold is also possible with the help of traditional medicine. There are a huge number of recipes that you can try at home.

• One of the most effective means is badger fat, which provides the body with vitamins and fatty unsaturated acids, strengthens the immune system. It can be consumed orally - a tablespoon 30-40 minutes before breakfast. The course of therapy lasts at least a month. In addition, you can lubricate the skin with fat about 20 minutes before going outside - so the integument will be protected from the effects of low temperatures. The medicine also helps soften the skin and heal cracks in allergic dermatitis.
• Some herbalists recommend drinking a teaspoon of celery juice before meals three times a day. Such a medicine helps to normalize the functioning of the immune system, to cope with an allergy symptom.
• Blueberries (fresh) will also be beneficial. From raw materials you need to make gruel and apply to the affected areas of the skin and a compress.
• An excellent tonic is considered to be birch sap. It is believed that its use helps to quickly remove allergic edema (juice has mild diuretic properties). Sometimes a few lemon juice is added to the drink. To improve the taste, you can use honey.
• Anti-allergic properties have a tincture of walnut. To prepare the medicine, you will need shredded fresh leaves of the plant, as well as green pericarp. 50 g of raw materials need to be poured into 100 ml of vodka or diluted ethyl alcohol, placed in a glass container with a lid. The medicine is insisted for seven days, regularly shaking the mixture. The product must be kept in a dark, cool place.
• Skin allergy symptoms can be removed with the help of special baths. In the bathing water add a decoction of twigs and needles of pine or some other coniferous tree.
• You can prepare an effective ointment for allergies to cold. First you need to mix in equal quantities burdock root, celandine grass, calendula flowers and mint leaves. Five tablespoons of the prepared mixture are poured with sunflower or olive oil (so that the liquid level is 1 cm higher than the level of plant material). We insist the medicine during the day, after which we sterilize it in a water bath, stirring constantly. Now the mixture can be cooled and filtered. The resulting ointment is intended for the treatment of affected skin areas. It is believed that the medicine perfectly eliminates dryness and itching with allergic dermatitis.
• Mummy also helps to cope with allergy symptoms. To treat the skin, you can prepare a solution - 1 g of raw materials dissolved in 100 ml of water.
• Fresh lemongrass juice is used to relieve skin symptoms of allergies - you just need to gently wipe the affected areas of the tissue.

It should be understood that only the attending physician should deal with the treatment of allergies to cold. Self-medication can only exacerbate the problem. The use of decoctions of herbs and other home-made products is possible only with the permission of a specialist.