Allergy to cold: what it is and how to fight it

In the autumn of irritating not only the gloomy skies and constant rain, but also allergic to the cold, which will endure until spring. This article will explain why, in response to the lowering of the temperature there are unpleasant symptoms and what to do with them.

What it is

Allergy to cold - is a common popular name for a number of symptoms. Common among them is that they appear upon contact with the cold: a frosty air, cool water, snow.

This so-called pseudo-reaction. This allergy - it is the body's response to a foreign protein, to a stimulus. In the case of frost, no proteins do not affect us, but unpleasant symptoms are due to physical action of low temperature. They appear at any age, but most often affects women, with after 25-30 years.

Symptoms of an allergy to cold are different:

• Severe nasal congestion cold. Light swelling - this is a normal reaction, but if breathing does nothing, then it can be a manifestation of vasomotors rhinitis.
• redness, peeling, stains and even blisters. This cold urticaria or dermatitis.
• Eye redness, itching, tears - conjunctivitis.

All these manifestations of the disease back if we return to a warm room. And you have to suffer through the winter.

Where does the allergy to the cold

Unfortunately, scientists do not know exactly why there is an allergy to cold. Therefore, to cure it once and for all can not. But there are several factors that trigger the onset of symptoms:

• Genetic predisposition. If your relatives suffered in the cold, you can also manifest allergy.
• Infectious diseases. The risk of cold allergy increase and serious infections (such as mononucleosis or hepatitis), and frequent acute respiratory viral infections.
• Chronic diseases. Allergy to cold often affects those who have kidney problems, thyroid gland, the digestive system.
• Allergy. If you have any reaction to food, pollen or tissue, the body and the cold will respond properly.
• Bad habits. Alcohol and cigarettes increase the risk of allergy.

How to cure the allergy to the cold

To begin to get to the doctor and find out whether you are allergic to cold and there are no more serious diseases, which only disguised it. But to take measures to make it easier to live, you can now.

Take special preparations

The physician should appoint antihistamines and corticosteroid ointments for skin. Independently it is better not to buy, so as not to throw away money for nothing and do not get side effects.

change your clothes

If you are prone to allergies, the skin can react to wool, fur, or dyes, which are processed warm clothes. Coats of fur, probably not for you. Choose hypoallergenic materials and wash winter clothes special facilities for people with allergies.

Protect your skin

First, cover with cold wind and everything that can be closed. Second, if the eyes are affected, do not hesitate to wear safety goggles. Third, lubricate the skin with a special protective cream, and lip - hygienic lipstick.

Buy a soft cleanser and shower designed for sensitive skin, so as not to injure the inflamed areas and even soap. Discard the pool, so as not to provoke allergic chlorinated water.

Eat a diet

Even if there is no allergy to food, will have to go on a diet. Eliminate from your diet foods that can trigger a reaction. This citrus fruit, chocolate, fish, honey, eggs.

Rinse your nose with salt water

Sprays, which include only the sea water is not treated, but help to transfer the unpleasant symptoms. They are expensive, but there is an alternative - the usual pharmaceutical saline. Analogue can be done by yourself, if you dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a liter of water.

But vasoconstrictor drugs is better not to drip, unless you want to get more and dependence.

temper

Hardening and gradually getting used to the cold will help only if you have rhinitis, that is cold. If the cold skin reacts, do not make fun of her, and leave getting used to the cold until better times.