As you know, any allergy is a response of the immune system to the impact of a particular factor. And sometimes the body reacts inadequately to the influence of low temperatures. The treatment of cold allergy is difficult, especially when it comes to the winter period of the year, when it is almost impossible to eliminate contact with the allergen.
Many people who encounter this problem are interested in any additional information. What stimulates the response from the immune system? Are there risk factors? What are the symptoms of cold allergy? What does a patient with a similar diagnosis look like? What methods of treatment can be considered really effective? The answers to these questions are of interest to many readers.
What is pathology?
Allergy to cold is a problem faced by many people. In fact, such a pathology is associated with some disorders in the immune system. For one reason or another, under the influence of low temperatures, the body begins to producespecific antibodies and mediators. As a result of their release, processes are activated that are similar in nature to inflammation. Allergic reactions are accompanied by the appearance of a skin rash, swelling, as well as spasm of smooth muscles and some other symptoms.
People regardless of gender and age are susceptible to the problem - an allergy to cold is diagnosed in infants no less 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. Swelling and skin rashes sometimes occur when in contact with cool water, for example, after washing dishes or while swimming in a pond. Sometimes allergy symptoms appear immediately, and sometimes after the patient has had time to warm up.
Allergy to cold: causes and risk factors
All allergies are related to the functioning of the immune system. And in modern medicine, risk factors are identified, the impact of which increases the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction. Their list includes:
- presence in the body of chronic foci of infection or inflammation (for example, chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, dental caries);
- uncontrolled and/or prolonged use of antibacterial agents;
- infection of the body with various types of helminths;
- digestion disorders;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas;
- dysbacteriosis;
- some kidney disease;
- changehormonal levels, diseases of the endocrine system;
- immunodeficiency states;
- oncological diseases;
- previous colds;
- physical exhaustion, constant stress, nervous tension.
It has been proven that there is a hereditary factor. If a person has close relatives who suffer from hypersensitivity to cold, then this increases the likelihood of developing such a disease.
According to statistics, patients who have inadequate reactions to cold also suffer from other forms of allergies (for example, they have hypersensitivity to food, plant pollen, etc.).
Stages of disease development
Such a 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 first encounters the allergen and begins to produce the appropriate antibodies. There are usually no symptoms at this stage.
- 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, provoking vasodilation, redness of the skin, fluid release into the intercellular space and the formation of edema.
- In the third stage, you can already observeonset of symptoms such as rash, swelling, etc.
It is worth noting that an allergic reaction to cold is characterized by the absence of the first stage (sensitization processes). When exposed to cold, the body immediately undergoes the synthesis of specific mediators.
Allergy to cold: what does a sick person look like? Description of the main symptoms
The clinical picture may be different - it all depends on the condition of the patient's body and the degree of sensitivity. According to statistics, most often allergy symptoms appear after the temperature drops to -4 … -5 ° C. For some people, the symptoms become apparent after they enter a warm room.
- First of all, an allergy to cold is manifested 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 areas of redness are formed, 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 accompanied by more than just skin lesions. Patients suffer from systemic reactions - there is swelling of the mucous membranes, spasm of the larynx and bronchi, palpitations. Sometimes people complain of severe chills, dizziness, bouts of weakness, which can result in a short loss of consciousness.
Forms of an allergic reaction
Of course, allergies are not always accompanied by the above disorders. 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 manifests itself in those areas of the integument that have been in direct contact with cold air or liquid. The appearance of redness of the skin is observed. Patients report itching and burning in the affected areas. Small vesicles with liquid content gradually form - the rash resembles a nettle burn. Sometimes the process extends to neighboring areas of the skin that did not succumb to low temperatures.
- Cold dermatitis may also develop. Redness and itching of the skin are the first symptoms of this disease. Affected integuments become dry, begin to peel off. The skin here becomes thinner, 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 abundant 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. Before the eyes, or rather, their mucous membrane (conjunctiva), edema forms. Patients complain of severe itching and burning. Possible increased tearing.
If these symptoms appear, you should consult an allergist or immunologist. Ignorenot worth the trouble anyway.
Associated Complications
The above forms of an allergic reaction are the most common. However, there are other symptoms that may accompany abnormal sensitivity to cold.
- Allergy to cold on the skin of the face may be accompanied by the 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, covered with painful cracks, and then yellowish crusts.
- Allergic reaction is often accompanied by increased lacrimation. Exposure to cold and frost causes a narrowing of the nasolacrimal canal, as a result of which the resulting tear fluid does not enter the nasopharynx, but rolls over the edge of the eyelid.
- Sometimes hypersensitivity to cold is accompanied by persistent bronchospasm - a person is practically unable to inhale 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 a correct diagnosis. First, the specialist conducts a general examination, collects an anamnesis, is interested in the presence of certain symptoms. Blood tests are carried out to help identify the inflammatory process. Sometimes additional diagnostic tests are also shown.procedures.
By the way, you can try to determine the presence of allergies on the skin at home. To do this, you only need a piece of ice - you need to wrap it with a cloth and apply it to the skin on the inside of the forearm. After 15 minutes, the covers are examined - normally they either turn red or become paler. If large blisters or a small hives-like rash appear on the skin, this may indicate increased sensitivity to low temperatures.
Drug therapy
The treatment plan for cold allergy is made by the attending physician. Much here depends on the age and general condition of the patient, the degree of sensitivity to low temperatures, and many other factors.
It is worth noting that drug treatment of allergies only helps to eliminate the main symptoms, but by no means save a person from such a disease.
In order to remove the already manifest violations and stop the further development of an allergic reaction, antihistamines are used. Such drugs as Suprastin, Claritin, Tavegil are considered effective. These are new generation products that are not addictive, do not lead to drowsiness.
If bronchospasm occurs, then bronchodilators are included in the treatment regimen, in particular, Hexoprenaline, Salbutamol, Formoterol, Berodual N.
Treatment of allergies to cold in adults sometimes involves the use of ointments, which contain glucocorticosteroids. Effective are such means as "Hydrocortisone", "Oxycort", "Topicort", "Dekaderm", "Aklovate". Ointments help to quickly stop the inflammatory process. They almost instantly relieve itching, burning and redness. These drugs sometimes cause 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 when 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 dysbacteriosis, 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 an allergic reaction?
Drug therapy only helps to cope with existing symptoms. The rest of the time, doctors recommend patients to take some precautions:
- Don't forget to dress for the weather. Do not refuse to wear scarves and hats. Hands need to be "warmed"warm gloves, and a 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, such as linen or cotton. Synthetics, as well as wool, irritate the skin, which can only aggravate the situation with allergies.
- Before going outside, 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 reaction from the immune system.
- Exposed areas of the skin (for example, face, hands) must be lubricated with a protective cream before going out. It should be a greasy, dense agent that will create a film on the surface of the skin. But the moisturizer in this case should be abandoned. Humidity, frost and wind are a bad combination.
- It's worth eating responsibly. Together with food, the body must receive the vitamins, minerals and other useful substances that it needs so much. This has a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system.
- The body's defense needs to be strengthened - experts recommend keeping fit, engaging in feasible sports.
- It is recommended to temper the body, for example, with a regular cold shower. Of course, you need to lower the temperature slowly and gradually. Procedures are best started in the summer. If you do everything right, then the body will have time to get used to the effects of low temperatures.
- Twice a year doctors recommend prophylaxisvitamin complexes.
Prevention in this case is much more effective than treatment. By following simple rules, you can prevent the onset of 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 unsaturated fatty 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 - this way the covers will be protected from exposure to low temperatures. The medicine also helps to soften the skin and heal cracks in allergic dermatitis.
- Some herbalists recommend drinking celery juice by a teaspoon before meals three times a day. Such a medicine helps to normalize the functioning of the immune system, to cope with the symptom of an allergy.
- Blueberries (fresh) will also be useful. From the raw materials you need to make a gruel and apply on the affected areas of the skin and in the form of a compress.
- Birch sap is considered an excellent general tonic. It is believed that its use helps to quickly remove allergic edema (the juice has mild diuretic properties). Sometimes a few lemon juices are added to the drink. Honey can be used to improve the taste.
- Walnut tincture has anti-allergic properties. To prepare the medicine, you will need crushed fresh leaves of the plant, as well as green pericarp. 50 g of raw materials must be poured into 100 ml of vodka or diluted ethyl alcohol, placed in a glass container with a lid. The medicine is infused for seven days, shaking the mixture regularly. The product should be kept in a dark, cool place.
- Skin allergy symptoms can be relieved with the help of special baths. A decoction of twigs and needles of pine or some other coniferous tree is added to the bathing water.
- You can prepare an effective ointment for allergies to cold. First you need to mix equal amounts of burdock root, celandine grass, calendula flowers and mint leaves. Pour five tablespoons of the prepared mixture with sunflower or olive oil (so that the liquid level is 1 cm higher than the level of vegetable raw materials). We insist the medicine for a day, after which we sterilize in a water bath, stirring constantly. Now the mixture can be cooled and strained. The resulting ointment is intended for the treatment of affected areas of the skin. It is believed that the medicine perfectly eliminates dryness and itching in allergic dermatitis.
- Shilajit also helps with allergy symptoms. For skin treatment, you can prepare a solution - dissolve 1 g of raw materials in 100 ml of water.
- Fresh lemongrass juice is used to relieve skin allergy symptoms by gently rubbing the affected tissue.
It should be understood that the treatment of cold allergy shoulddeal only with the attending physician. Self-medication can only exacerbate the problem. The use of decoctions of medicinal herbs and other home-made products is possible only with the permission of a specialist.
