Allergy to cold. Winter Allergies

Allergy to cold. Winter Allergies.  Allergy to cold temperatures or cold is characterized by redness, itching, hives and swelling of the skin that has been exposed to low temperatures. 

People who suffer from allergies should avoid cold temperatures so low and cold water. For example, swimming in cold water, which is the most common cause of severe reactions triggered by cold water can cause fainting, heat shock and even death.
If a person believes may suffer from allergy to cold should consult your doctor. Treatment may include antihistamines which will be administered prior to exposure to cold.

Diagnostics
Diagnosis of allergy or cold urticaria is a test that involves placing an ice cube on the forearm . Cold object is allowed up to 10 minutes. If the test is positive , the area will swell in about 5 minutes after removing the ice cube .
Time of exposure to a cold object will determine the severity of the disease : the more symptoms occur soon after exposure to cold , the allergy is more severe .
If some form of allergy to cold temperatures , will not manifest symptoms after the test involving the application of ice cubes on the skin or manifestations are atypical . These include:

• Delayed cold urticaria – in this case symptoms occur 12 hours after exposure to cold . Ice cubes can test shows a positive result to several hours after it was over.
• Dependent dermographism cold – events are presented by friction or pressure after the skin has been exposed to cold. After the test with ice cubes , skin rashes may have the appearance of a normal if rubbed .
• Cold -induced cholinergic urticaria – symptoms occur at low temperatures . If events occur in hot environments is likely to suffer from a persaoana cholinergic urticaria .
• Localized reflex cold urticaria – events occur a few centimeters away from where they were applied ice cubes – away from direct exposure to the cold.

Once a person is diagnosed with cold urticaria may be necessary to detect the underlying causes of the condition. These may include blood tests to ascertain if there are autoimmune diseases , cancer or infection.

Symptoms
Symptoms of allergy to cold starts immediately after the skin is exposed to cold air or water. Although events are present during exposure to cold, they get worse when the skin warms.
Most cold urticaria reactions occur when the skin will be found, at temperatures below 4 degrees (but in some people the symptoms can occur even at higher temperatures). Humidity and wind may predispose to the occurrence of cold urticaria.
Signs and symptoms may include:

• Reddish rash, itchy skin area was exposed to cold that persists in general about half an hour 
• Swelling of the hands when they come in contact with a cold object 
• Swelling of the lips when eating cold foods 
• In rare cases, there is severe swelling of the tongue and throat that can obstruct breathing (pharyngeal edema).

Severe reactions
For people who suffer from cold urticaria, exposure to cold can be dangerous. In some cases reactions affect the entire body (systemic reaction). Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include:

• fainting 
• chills 
• Accelerated heartbeat 
• Swelling of the limbs or trunk. 

The most serious reactions occur with complete exposure of the skin. Massive’s liberation of histamine and other chemicals by the immune system causes a sudden drop in blood pressure which can lead to fainting, shock and even death. If it swims in cold water drowning may be caused by loss of consciousness.

When you consult a doctor?
If a person has skin reactions after exposure to cold should consult your doctor. Even if symptoms are minor, the physician must determine whether there is any underlying condition that might cause the problem.
It will require emergency care if there is a severe reaction after severe exposure to cold:

• Shortness of breath 
• Feeling faint 
• Inflammation of the throat or tongue.

Risk Factors
Cold allergy can occur at all ages, both women and men. Are prone to hives at low temperatures:

• Children and young adults – a type of rash called primary acquired urticaria occurs in children and young adults. This is the most common type of urticaria and resolves in 2-3 years maximum. 
• People who have recently suffered a viral infection – mycoplasma pneumonia and mononucleosis were associated with cold urticaria. 
• People who suffer from certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis or cancer. This is called secondary uritcarie acquired. 
• People who have genetic predispositions – although rare, cold urticaria is associated with a condition called syndrome triggered cold autoinflammatory family.

Treatments and drugs
There is no cure for cold urticaria , but there are remedies that can relieve symptoms . Therapeutic measures include avoiding cold temperatures and exposure to sudden temperature changes .
Medicines can help prevent and decrease events . Medications used to treat allergy to cold include:

• Antihistamines – which blocks the release of histamine and prevent specific symptoms . Some of these may be available without a prescription , while others only after medical advice .
• Cyproheptadine – This medication is an antihistamine which acts on nerve implsurilor cause symptoms.
• Doxepin – normally , the drug is used to treat anxiety and depression , but may relieve symptoms and hives caused by cold.

However , all these measures will not cure allergy to cold but will keep symptoms under control. If cold urticaria is caused by certain health problems may need other medicines or treatments for the underlying condition .