How does an allergy to cold manifest itself in a child? Causes of cold allergies

Frost allergy or cold urticaria(Latin “Urtica” - nettle) - an allergic reaction on exposed parts of the body in the form of rashes like hives or red spots caused by cold (cold air or water).

Although it is called an allergy, in reality this response of the body has nothing to do with a true allergic reaction. Cold, dampness, frost are physical factors, and not a substance that causes sensitization - hypersensitivity. But in this article, we will not replace generally accepted definitions, so we will still call this reaction to cold a cold allergy.

Allergy to frost manifests itself literally within a few minutes after exposure low temperature in the form of rashes on open areas of the skin: on the face, hands, often on the lips after drinking cold drinks. The rash is pink or whitish in color, dense, accompanied by itching, can last for several hours, and then disappear without a trace.

There are also other forms of frost allergies that occur in the presence of other diseases - dysfunctions thyroid gland, lupus erythematosus, and are much more severe. Sometimes a rare form occurs - hereditary. It is accompanied by a burning sensation and is more the body's reaction to the wind than to the cold.

But even the most seemingly harmless form of frost allergy is not as safe as we think. She calls severe itching and a feeling of discomfort, well-being worsens: headaches appear, decreased arterial pressure. And with general hypothermia of the body, more severe manifestations of allergies to frost may appear - the so-called Quincke's edema. (Manifestation of Quincke's edema is an enlargement of the face or part of it, or a limb, but the color of the skin does not change.)

Frost allergy test

It is very important for both the doctor and the patient to determine the nature of the allergic reaction in time. For this, along with complex research using special equipment there are quite simple ways.

You can check whether you are allergic to frost at home: place a piece of ice on the crook of your elbow for 10-15 minutes, and if hives appear in the cold, then we can assume that you are predisposed to an allergy to frost.

But if in doubt, you should consult a doctor; allergic diseases require laboratory research blood.

Symptoms of allergy to frost

So, how to recognize it, because an allergy to frost skillfully “disguises” itself as dermatitis, colds, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.

As soon as you stepped out into the cold, your head immediately began to hurt. Contracts the facial and neck muscles, begins pressing pain in the back of the head and forehead, a feeling of nausea appears from the intensifying headache. It's time to go into a warm room: 10-15 minutes are usually enough to say goodbye to a headache attack. This symptom can be provoked not only by sub-zero air temperatures, but also, for example, by ice-cold drinks or a cold bed.

Reddish rashes, peeling and itching on the skin of the hands and face, sometimes under the knee and on the inner thighs.

In adults, it all starts with an allergy to frost on the hands. At first, the skin of the hands simply itches, then becomes dry, rough, covered with cracks and even rashes such as hives.

U cutaneous form If a child is allergic to frost, the favorite place for rashes is the face. The cheeks, chin, and nasolabial area turn red. Then a burning sensation will appear, the baby will begin to rub these places, and a rash very similar to herpes is guaranteed. Those who love thin tights in winter suffer from delicate, cold-sensitive skin under the knees and on the inner thighs.

Following urticaria, swelling of the face, legs, and arms appears.

Unexplained long-term runny nose, nasal congestion, itching in the nasal passages, sore throat and even conjunctivitis with lacrimation and itching of the mucous membranes of the eyes.

Breathing in the cold becomes difficult and difficult; narrowing of the bronchi often causes shortness of breath.

And there are also signs of an allergy to frost, such as feeling tired and sharp jumps moods.

An allergy to frost can worsen and occur against the background of other diseases and be just their mask, for example, with a lack of vitamins (avitaminosis) and microelements, dysfunction of the thyroid gland, vegetative-vascular dystonia etc.

If you have another allergic disease, e.g. atopic dermatitis, food allergies, allergic rhinitis, then allergies to frost will be more severe. Often, an allergy to frost begins after suffering from acute respiratory viral infections or other infectious diseases.

What does a frost allergy look like?

Types of allergies to frost

There are several forms of cold allergies, which have their own symptoms. Below are several types of frost allergies. Each of them has its own characteristics:

Acute and chronic cold urticaria (frost allergy)– this form of the disease is characterized by an acute onset, intense itching of exposed skin areas – the face, hands, and sometimes the entire surface of the body. Soon, swelling of the skin occurs at the itching sites, which manifests itself as a blister. Then rashes appear in the form of intense redness of individual areas of the skin, like a mosquito bite or a nettle sting. In severe forms of the disease, chills, general malaise, joint and muscle pain, palpitations, severe weakness. An exacerbation of the disease can continue for several weeks and even months - the entire cold period of the year;

Recurrent form of urticaria- it is characterized by seasonality: autumn, winter, early spring. Year-round exacerbations occur when the skin is exposed to cold water;

Reflex cold urticaria(frost allergy) - a general or local reaction to cold, similar to cholinergic urticaria. Sometimes it occurs only when the whole body cools down. A local reaction to cold is manifested by a rash that appears around the chilled area of ​​the skin, while the skin directly in contact with the cold is not affected;

Familial cold urticaria– a rare form of urticaria, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Characterized by a maculopapular rash and burning sensation that occurs 0.5 to 3 hours after exposure to cold. Systemic manifestations of fever, chills, joint pain, and leukocytosis are possible. A rare form of the disease has been described in which urticaria occurs 20 to 30 hours after exposure to cold. Since the rash is accompanied by itching and burning, chronic idiopathic urticaria is often mistakenly diagnosed;

Cold erythema– manifested by redness of the skin (erythema). This form of the disease is characterized by severe pain in the affected areas of the skin;

Cold dermatitis- the skin is very itchy and flaky. If the disease has become quite severe, swelling of the entire body can be observed;

Cold rhinitis- differs from a regular runny nose in that the feeling of nasal congestion occurs exclusively in the cold. As soon as a person suffering similar form allergy to cold enters a warm room, all symptoms immediately disappear;

Cold conjunctivitis- in the cold there is strong lacrimation, as well as pain in the eyes.

The described symptoms should not be confused with the body’s natural defense against cold and windy weather, which do not cause significant discomfort and quickly disappear in a warm environment.

Causes of allergies to frost

A separate point is problems with the gastrointestinal tract: upon examination it turns out that a person has chronic gastritis or cholecystitis, ulcer... In principle, quite a lot of chronic illnesses can provoke cold urticaria.

Allergy to frost in children can also be a continuation of food allergy.

Therefore, all the attention is not on getting rid of symptoms, but on treating the underlying disease. The remaining measures can be considered temporary; they do not solve the problem, they only slightly alleviate the condition.

Treatment of allergies to frost

The treatment method for frost allergies is similar to the treatment for true allergies. First of all, it is necessary to avoid contact with the provoking factor, in this case cold. Winter allergy sufferers need to dress in clothes made from natural fabrics and not be exposed to cold. The degree of sensitivity is individual. For some, allergic reactions occur at an air temperature of minus 24-28°C, for others - minus 8-10°C, for some - after washing with cold water. If hypothermia cannot be avoided, take a warm shower or bath.

Medicines - antihistamines “Suprastin”, “Tavegil”, “Claritin”.

It must be borne in mind that some of them have a hypnotic effect and should not be used while performing work that requires concentration and reaction time, for example, driving a car. For bronchospasms, bronchodilators are used. In severe cases, doctors prescribe plasmapheresis, which clears the blood of cryoglobulins, glucocorticosteroids, and some immunosuppressants.

Most often, allergies to frost appear in people who are not hardened and have foci chronic infection(sore teeth, sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, cholecystitis, pyelonephritis, etc.). Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to their treatment. Liver and intestinal dysfunctions and dysbacteriosis predispose to allergies, including cold allergies.

Before treatment medicines Be sure to consult your doctor!

Treatment of frost allergies with folk remedies

Cold allergies can also be treated with folk remedies.

Raspberries. Pour 0.5 liters of water into 50 g of dry crushed raspberry roots. Simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes. Then strain and cool. Drink 2 tbsp of the decoction before going out in the morning, after lunch and before bed. spoons. Treatment period is 2 months. If you do not skip taking folk remedies, medications will not be needed. Also drink the decoction for preventative purposes, starting 2 months before the winter cold. Then in winter, you will not feel any symptoms of the disease.

Sunflower seeds and regular red beets. Just eat more unsalted seeds and beets in all types in winter, and also drink half a glass three times a day of freshly squeezed beet juice.

Celery. For frost allergies, drink freshly squeezed celery root juice. It should be taken 0.5 teaspoon before meals, three times a day.

Mumiyo. For medicinal solution take 1g mummy per 1 liter of boiling water. High-quality raw materials dissolve without sediment. Take once a day in the morning, adults 100 ml. It is possible to treat allergies to frost in children in this way, but a single dose for a child 1-3 years old is 50 ml, and for junior school student– 70 ml.

If you are allergic to frost on your hands and face, you can lubricate your skin with a solution of a higher concentration of 1 g per 100 ml of water.

Blueberries. Grind fresh blueberries and apply them as compresses to the affected areas of the skin.

Emulsion based on celandine, burdock, mint and calendula. If you are allergic to frost on your face, there is no better remedy. Grind and mix 10 g of celandine herb, mint leaves, burdock root and calendula flowers. 5 tbsp. Pour a tablespoon of the herbal mixture with sunflower oil, so that the oil level is 1 cm above the level of the raw material, leave for 24 hours. Sterilize in a water bath, stirring gently. Strain, cool and lubricate the skin. The emulsion perfectly relieves itching and dry skin.

Pine shoots in vegetable oil. In cases where a child’s allergy to cold is manifested by dryness, peeling and redness of the skin, the formation of small cracks and itching, an infusion of pine buds in vegetable oil is prepared. Young pine shoots are infused with vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio in a dark place for about 5 months. The infusion is gently rubbed into the baby's skin.

Birch sap to reduce allergic swelling. Birch sap is an excellent general strengthening agent that regulates water-salt metabolism with a mild diuretic effect, although it is difficult to obtain in cold weather. Its consumption helps to quickly eliminate allergic swelling of the hands and face. You can consume it in unlimited quantities, but for an adult the daily dose should be at least 1 liter. For allergies to frost in children, this dose, depending on age, is from 200 to 500 ml. To improve the taste, you can add a little raisins, honey, dried fruits or lemon to the juice, leave for about an hour, and then drink. Not only healthy, but also very tasty.

Walnut tincture. Walnut tincture, which has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and antiallergic effects, is prepared from fresh leaves and green walnut pericarp, at the rate of 50 g of crushed raw materials per 100 g of vodka or ethyl alcohol diluted to 40°C. Infuse in a tightly closed glass container for a week, shaking daily. The strained tincture is taken 25 drops 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals, diluted in a quarter glass of water. If a child is allergic to cold and has a cough and shortness of breath, it is recommended to give as many drops of tincture as the child is old.

Schisandra juice. If you are bothered by severe itching caused by cold allergies on the face, hands or other parts of the body, you can carefully wipe the skin with lemongrass juice when returning to a warm room, trying not to injure it.

Blue cornflower for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. In the event of conjunctivitis occurring as a symptom of an allergy to frost, treatment is also possible with the help of rinses and lotions from decoctions of medicinal herbs. Most often, a decoction of blue cornflower flowers is used. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water, leave for about 30 minutes and then filter. The resulting decoction is used to wash the eyes or make a lotion from it, soaking gauze pads in it and placing them on the eyes for 15 minutes.

Pine needle baths. Collect twigs along with needles, boil and take baths with this decoction. It is also necessary to wash your face with it in the morning and evening. Take water and needles “by eye”; there are no strict restrictions here.

Prevention of frost allergies

If, fortunately, you are not yet familiar with frost allergies, make a little effort to prevent it, which is very similar to methods for preventing frostbite in the body:

Before going out into the cold, lubricate exposed areas of your body with special protective creams against cold and wind. A high-quality nourishing cream is applied to the face half an hour before going outside.

Don't neglect gloves, seasonal hats, warm underwear and tights. Underwear must be made of cotton, because... Synthetics and wool increase the manifestations of cold urticaria. If possible, wear a hood, and the deeper it is, the better. Don't forget about a warm scarf.

At the first sign of an allergy to frost, reduce your time outside and do not get too cold.

Hardening by dousing is also a good preventative measure, but you just need to start it in the summer and gradually reduce the water temperature.

Before going outside, try not to wash your face and other areas of the body bordering the street with soap, because... it dries out the skin, removing its natural protective film, thereby exposing the skin to the harmful effects of cold on the body.

To avoid allergies to frost, as a complex measure, you need to monitor your diet. Meals must be regular. It is worth excluding everything that irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), smoked and deep-fried meat, first of all. It is necessary to introduce foods rich in vitamin F (omega-3 fatty acids) into the diet - sea fish and high-quality vegetable oils.

With the onset of cold weather, the season of colds, runny noses and inflammatory processes begins respiratory tract.

One of specific features of immunity is an allergy to cold in a child.

This is the body's reaction to exposure to low air temperatures. It manifests itself in different ways. Signs and Every child's symptoms are unique..

Allergists distinguish a special class of disorders, which contains atypical reactions of the immune system to various irritating factors.

According to this classification, irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of a child upon contact with cold air is a pseudo-allergy. It means that when eliminating unfavorable conditions, the baby’s condition gradually or immediately returns to normal.

Causes

Thermal receptors of the skin are responsible for maintaining an acceptable temperature for the functioning of all systems and organs.

They are the ones who react first for any changes temperature regime.

Doctors for a long time refused to recognize it as an illness negative reaction epidermis and mucous membranes to cold weather conditions.

They argued this by saying that if there is no allergen, then it is impossible to assume the development of an allergy. Later, doctors began to closely study this phenomenon.

Doctors identified 6 reasons development of allergies to cold in children:

1. Wrong lifestyle.

Modern children spend a lot of time at the computer, watching television or playing on gadgets. They rarely walk outdoors, especially in winter.

The body gets used to warmth and comfort and reacts sharply to changes in temperature. And if the cold is accompanied by a strong wind, then this generally becomes a disaster.

2. Low immunity.

A weakened immune system is unable to adapt sharply to environmental conditions. The consequence of this is allergic manifestations in cold conditions. Immunity is reduced due to infectious diseases, measles, pneumonia, etc.

3. Presence of chronic pathologies.

If a child has otitis, pyelonephritis, severe caries, sinusitis or any sluggish inflammatory processes, then the body spends the bulk of its energy on resisting these ailments. Adaptation to changed conditions becomes worse. The body's response to such a process manifests itself in the form of cold allergies.

4. Genetic predisposition.

Some babies are born with a special type of epidermis that covers the skin and mucous membranes.

The peculiarity is that thermal receptors reject cold and try to protect the body from it. This cell structure is transmitted at the genetic level from parents and close relatives.

5. Unbalanced diet.

To ensure that all systems function correctly, the child should receive required amount vitamins, micro- and macroelements, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, salts, etc. If the diet lacks certain nutrients, then abnormalities develop.

6. Development of dangerous skin diseases.

If a child shows signs of a cold allergy, this may “signal” the onset of more serious diseases, for example, eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis.

There are many causes of cold allergies. The advisability of prescribing therapy depends on what triggered its appearance. That is why it is better to consult a doctor immediately.

The doctor will send the little patient with his parents to general blood test and urine test. As additional diagnostics A rheumatic test is recommended.

Based on the results of these and other procedures, the doctor draws a conclusion about the causes and nature of the allergy and, if necessary, prescribes a therapeutic course.

Symptoms of an allergy to cold in a child

Pseudoallergy has specific symptoms. It manifests itself in different ways.

The degree of damage is also different. The clinical picture is not much different from a real allergy.

However most often the symptoms go away on their own when the irritating factor is eliminated.

In some children, only the face is affected, while others experience skin changes in the abdomen, arms and legs.

Sometimes the cold provokes irritation of the internal respiratory tract.

Ignoring obvious symptoms can lead to shock to the body or loss of consciousness. In order not to take the situation to extreme limits, you need to know the nature of the symptoms of the disease.

Manifestations on hands

Hands, back and inner palms most susceptible to cold. The baby picks up cold snow, holds on to icy handrails, and this negatively affects the functioning of thermal receptors.

They send a signal to the brain that the body is in danger. The nervous system's response to unfavorable conditions may be such symptoms on the hands:

• urticaria (small clear blisters filled with fluid);
• red or pink spots with clear outlines;
• severe peeling of the skin, especially between the fingers;
• itching on the outer and inner sides of the palms;
• pimples with purulent contents;
• continuous redness of the hand completely;
• large subcutaneous cavities filled with fluid;
• pain on contact with affected areas of the hand.

If at least one of the above symptoms appears, it is mandatory to go to a medical facility. Otherwise, the consequences could be dire.

If the development of cold allergies is not stopped in time, the affected skin will be constantly inflamed, and an abscess may develop against this background.

Manifestations on the face and cheeks

When parents take their child for a walk in the fresh air in the cold, then the only unprotected place is the face, and in particular the cheeks.

Low temperatures instantly affect the epidermis, and it turns red.

This phenomenon is not always considered an allergy. In most cases, it's just a healthy glow.

You should worry if you experience the following symptoms::

• the cheeks are covered with a small, profuse rash;
• the child complains of pain and itching in the forehead, nose, ears, chin and cheeks;
• blisters fill with water or pus;
• the redness subsides only after entering a warm room and staying in it for at least 2 hours.

Sometimes parents notice in their children increased dryness skin and peeling after frost. The upper layers of the epidermis can peel off in thin layers. This is not a normal reaction.

This manifestation indicates excessive sensitivity of thermal receptors to cold. Ultimately with allergies to cold on the cheeks, forehead and nose ulcers and non-healing wounds may form.

If your baby shows such signs, you need to take him to a dermatologist in time and consult about skin protection in the winter season.

Photo of a child's cold allergy:

Other symptoms and reactions

In addition to skin manifestations, other cold allergy symptoms The child has:

1. constant headache in the cold or sudden attacks;
2. dyspnea;
3. difficulty breathing due to swelling of the laryngeal mucosa;
4. increased blood pressure due to vasoconstriction;
5. weakness;
6. runny nose and sneezing while in an environment with low temperatures;
7. increased tearfulness;
8. burning sensation in the eyes;
9. tachycardia;
10. abdominal pain;
11. tongue swelling;
12. swelling and swelling of the upper and lower eyelids;
13. aches in the bones (especially in the joints);
14. severe dry cough.

The above signs are characteristic not only of allergies to cold. They may also indicate colds, pathologies of the respiratory tract, infectious diseases, demodex (infestation by microscopic mites), etc.

Treatment of cold allergies

Many people mistakenly believe that if there is no allergen, then this is not a pathology at all, and therapy is not needed here.

But no. Cold allergies on the face and other parts of the body can and should be treated. And this should be done as early as possible.

Cough, runny nose and temporary rash can be survived. Such manifestations quickly disappear.

However increased sensitivity to the cold may cause spasm of the airways, which entails dangerous consequences and even death.

Therefore, diagnosis and therapy cannot be delayed.

What to do first?

If a child develops a rash, reddened skin and other symptoms of cold allergies, then the first thing to do is take the baby to an enclosed area with an acceptable temperature air.

In addition, you need protect the child from any provoking factors, which include:

• low temperature water;
• ice objects (snow, icicles, iron handrails, frozen toys, etc.);
• cold food, especially ice cream.

Then you need to start eliminating or at least alleviating the symptoms.

To relieve itching, soda lotions are used. If the rashes are purulent or weeping, then it is recommended to treat them with a solution of brilliant green.

Decoctions of chamomile, string, and burdock root are effective. To folk remedies worked, they need to be applied systematically for a month.

What can be done to treat it?

It is extremely important that a doctor prescribes treatment for a child’s cold allergy. Independent choice antiallergic medications may have negative health consequences. The doctor may prescribe the following pills:

If the skin damage is too severe, then you need to use topical preparations. These include ointments. For example, Gistan or Skin cap.

What cannot be treated?

Allergy to cold cannot be treated with drugs that aggressively affects the skin and suppresses the immune system. It's better not to experiment with by dubious means alternative medicine.

Tablets should also be prescribed exclusively by an allergist. Self-medication will only worsen the child’s condition. Under no circumstances Do not place the affected areas in warm water. The skin should remain dry until it is examined by a doctor.

Video on the topic

Children's allergic reactions to cold and piercing wind are not uncommon. This feature has every fifth baby. With age, allergy symptoms most often disappear completely.

However, in any case, if you experience symptoms indicating a possible allergic disorder, you should consult a doctor.

Allergic reaction specialist Dr. Komarovsky will tell you what to do if children are allergic to cold:

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Elena Petrovna 110 views

From the article you will find out whether there is an allergy to cold, how the disease manifests itself and its distinctive features, how to determine intolerance to low temperatures, treatment features in children and adults, how to choose the right diet and much other useful information.

An unexpected obstacle to active winter recreation

Sledding and skiing, playing in the snow, walking through the winter forest are entertainments that are not useful for all people. And the reason for this may be cold allergy - a pathology that occurs under the influence of too low temperatures.

In people with allergies to cold, the condition often worsens when it is warm under the influence of predisposing factors, such as cold wind, swimming in cool water, or drinking too cold drinks.

Allergy to cold is not a life-threatening disease, but if it worsens, it can cause a lot of suffering. To avoid the appearance of symptoms of pathology, it is necessary to general outline present the mechanism of occurrence of cold allergies, factors provoking its development, methods of treatment and prevention.

Difference from ordinary allergies

A common allergic disease occurs due to a special reaction of the immune system to an allergen, or otherwise a foreign protein.

In response to this irritant, the membranes (shells) of mast cells are damaged and inflammatory mediators begin to emerge from them, which trigger all the symptoms of allergies. There is a special video on this topic.

In case of allergies due to cold, the allergen as such is absent; instead, the body is negatively affected by a physical factor - cold, the negative impact of which can be intensified by the wind.

The opinions of medical scientists on this issue are divided, some of them consider cold intolerance an allergic reaction, others a “pseudo-allergy”. But, despite this, it is advisable for patients with this pathology to know the main reasons for the unusual reaction to cold and methods for eliminating it.

There are several features of the development and course of the pathology:

• People who have a predisposition to the disease at the genetic level are susceptible to allergies to cold;
• Women are more susceptible to the disease;
• An incorrect reaction of the body to cold often occurs in adults. If an allergy to cold appeared only at the age of 25-30, then the provoking factor in its development may be chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, helminth infections, cirrhosis of the liver, and frequently recurring respiratory infections;
• Compliance with all stages of treatment, reducing exposure to low temperatures and changing the usual lifestyle make it possible to minimize the manifestations of the disease. In most patients, after 5-7 years from the onset of the first symptoms, the manifestations of cold allergies become insignificant.

How to determine cold intolerance

An allergic reaction to frost and cold air is similar in its manifestations to a common cold, but there are some distinctive features.

First of all this normal temperature body against the background of a sore throat, sneezing and runny nose; with a respiratory infection, these symptoms are often accompanied by a rise in body temperature.

Many people associate the unpleasant symptoms of cold allergies with banal hypothermia. However, after warming up the room, all changes caused by freezing disappear, and in case of allergies, they can bother you for several hours or even days.

You can independently determine whether you have hypersensitivity to cold. An easy-to-perform test will help with this - a piece regular ice from the freezer should be applied to the forearms for a few minutes with inside approximately in the middle.

After 15 minutes from the moment the ice is removed, the result is assessed - redness and whitening of the skin is considered normal, swelling, increasing itching and pinpoint rash indicate a high probability that an allergy to cold can happen at any time.

Causes

It is well established that a first-time allergy to cold develops due to malfunctions in the functioning of the immune system. A variety of provoking factors can become a catalyst for such an imbalance.

Before you look at them full list, it is necessary to understand how the intolerance reaction begins; in the case of cold allergies, there are two theories of the occurrence of the disease, these are:

1. Pseudo-allergic;
2. Allergic.

Pseudo-allergic

This theory is based on the fact that special proteins - cryoglobulins, formed under the influence of too low temperatures, are not in all cases detected in the blood during the acute phase of an allergy to cold. From this, scientists conclude that symptoms of hypersensitivity to cold and piercing wind do not arise under the influence of cryoglobulins, but precisely due to the influence of low temperature conditions on tissues.

However, it is not possible to separate true, that is, ordinary, allergies based on external signs, since their symptoms are completely similar.

The main difference between a pseudoallergic reaction and a true allergy is the absence of an immunological, that is, the first stage of pathology.

There is no sensitization of the body, no antibodies or specific leukocytes are produced in relation to cold, and the organs of the immune system are not involved in the atypical process. But the second and third phases of cold allergies correspond to the allergic theory of the occurrence of the disease.

Based on the above, we can conclude that there is a certain trigger in the body that directly leads to the release of mediators from mast cells without an immune stage.

Several non-allergenic factors have been identified that can spontaneously activate mastocide and cause a process similar in appearance to allergy symptoms.

These factors are considered:

• Mechanical irritation, resulting in urticarial dermographism;
• Ultraviolet radiation leading to photosensitivity;
• Low temperatures.

Allergic theory

Followers of this theory believe that allergies under the influence of cold go through the entire classical path of an allergic reaction. This means that all stages arise gradually - the immunological goes into the pathochemical, and then the pathophysiological begins.

Immunological

At this stage, the immune system comes into contact with a foreign protein, the allergen, for the first time. Allergy to cold is different in that there is no effect on the immune defense, since low temperatures are not a structural element.

However, if you are predisposed, cold causes the formation of cryoglobulins - special, rarely found proteins.

This is a byproduct that appears under the influence of too low temperatures on living tissues. The body perceives it as an allergen, that is, a certain work of the immune system is triggered.

The allergen (cryoglobulin) is captured by macrophages and destroyed by them, which leads to the appearance of antigens. Then macrophages with antigens on the outer surface begin to interact with T-lymphocytes, transmitting to them information about the destroyed element. In turn, the signal from T-lymphocytes reaches the thymus ( thymus gland).

The thymus, in turn, activates the secretion of lymphocytes, which move to the lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, lymphocytes receive information about which antigens have already been in contact. This information is necessary for lymphocytes so that upon repeated encounters with the antigen, immune cells immediately begin to attack it.

A number of allergens can enter human body only 2-3 times in my entire life. Under such conditions, it is not beneficial for the immune system to maintain constant activity of lymphocytes that have already been “trained” against allergens.

They are replaced by memory T-lymphocytes, circulating in the bloodstream constantly, but in small quantities.

Upon contact with an allergenic substance, such T-lymphocytes attract untrained lymphocytes and begin to command them, that is, they give the order to attack the foreign irritant.

Such a structure of the immune system allows it to maintain high activity with minimal “investments.”

The immune system also contains special B lymphocytes (plasma cells). Their function is to produce antibodies that detect the antigen and attach to it - forming an immune complex.

If the protective properties of the antigen are low, then the antibody destroys it on its own. In cases where antigens are particularly strong, T-lymphocytes or the complement system are involved in their destruction.

Pathochemical

The stage of biochemical reactions is triggered by repeated contact of the allergen with internal environments. That is, with an allergy to cold, cryoglobulins begin to be secreted again, perceived by the immune system as foreign proteins.

In this case, ligament complexes are formed that limit the further spread of the causative allergen and ensure the development of an inflammatory reaction, the cause of which in turn becomes:

• Degranulation (destruction) of mastocytes (mast cells). Inside the masticides are the main inflammatory mediators in the form of granules. Granules are released from mast cells under the influence of interleukins - substances secreted by leukocytes at the moment of contact with a foreign irritant. Inflammatory mediators primarily affect fibers nerve tissue, which leads to itching and pain;
• Movement of leukocytes to the inflammatory focus. Leukocytes also take part in the destruction of foreign antigens, releasing substances that promote the formation of a collagen membrane around the site of inflammation. The resulting membrane determines the localization of inflammation, and the process of its appearance is called encapsulation;
• Slowing blood circulation. A decrease in blood flow is influenced by the effect of histamine and serotonin on the walls of blood vessels, leading to relaxation of the muscle layer. Slowing down the movement of blood also reduces the likelihood of rapid spread of antigens throughout the body; in addition, such a change also contributes to better attachment of antibodies and leukocytes to the walls of blood vessels that have arrived at the site of inflammation. That is, relaxation and enlargement of blood vessels from the inside is one of the important changes that ensures good activity of the immune system when encountering an irritant.

Pathophysiological

Pathophysiology is the clinical picture characteristic of an allergy. Essentially, this is the response of internal organs and tissues to a cascade of changes triggered at the pathochemical stage.

If we adhere to the allergic theory of the appearance of a reaction to cold that is unusual for the body, then the cryoglobulin formed in this case can cause any changes characteristic of allergies, ranging from ordinary itching and irritation to anaphylaxis.

But in general, hypersensitivity to cold causes only limited pathological changes, and most often these are:

• Symptoms of urticaria;
• Bronchospasm with suffocation;
• Angioedema (Quincke's edema);
• (shock).

It is the limited manifestations of allergies in response to cold that confirm the theory that this pathology is a pseudo-allergy.

Risk factors

There are non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors that contribute to the development of cold allergy.

The first group includes those causes that cannot be changed; their identification during diagnosis is mainly necessary to determine the prognosis of the course of the disease.

The group of modified factors is mainly the characteristics of a person’s life, including his diet, bad habits, blood pressure, and body weight.

The group of unmodified risk factors for the development of allergies to cold includes:

• Genetic predisposition - can be transmitted at the gene level increased permeability mucous membranes and skin. With a congenital tendency to dermatoses, the protective properties of the skin are initially reduced, which increases the aggressive effect of low temperatures on the body. The deeper the cold gets into the tissues, the more cryoglobulin is secreted and, accordingly, the stronger the allergic reaction will manifest itself;
• Pathological change enzymatic activity phagocytes. Phagocytes are one of the most important cells of the body; their function is to neutralize, by digesting bacteria, traces of their vital activity, as well as elements of the decay of all their own typical and atypical cells in the body. With congenital phagocyte deficiency, the breakdown of inflammatory mediators occurs much more slowly, which leads to their accumulation. Increased concentration of histamine and other mediators inflammatory reactions in case of allergies, it increases the symptoms of the disease;
• Features of the immune system response. These features mean overactivity of immune cells, an increased number of antibodies circulating in the blood compared to the norm, and an imbalance between antibodies;
• Congenital pathology processes of deactivation (neutralization) of biologically active elements. The body continuously produces biologically active substances - hormones, mediators of inflammatory changes, neurotransmitters. With an allergy to cold, their concentration increases significantly, while the intensity of the symptoms of the pathology and its duration directly depend on how actively the mechanisms of neutralizing such elements function. Neutralization of biologically active substances, unnecessary for the body, occurs with the participation of enzyme systems of the blood, kidneys, and liver, and the activity of their work is determined at the genetic level. If it is low, then the likelihood of developing an allergy to cold increases many times;
• Congenital changes in the balance of anti-inflammatory mediators. From birth, physiological processes in the human body maintain a certain balance between complexes that activate and inhibit the inflammatory response. A shift in balance in one direction or another causes certain changes in the body. If the amount of anti-inflammatory cytokines is increased, immunodeficiency occurs - a condition in which even a common cold is characterized by severe course, leads to complications and, in particularly difficult cases, death. With an increase in inflammatory mediators, allergies and autoimmune reactions occur - pathologies in which the immune system mistakes its own cells for foreign ones;
• High sensitivity of tissues to mediators that trigger allergies. With this factor provoking the development of cold allergy, peripheral tissues perceive the immune system’s reaction to cryoglobulin too actively. In response to this, a large number of biologically active substances begin to be produced. Hypersensitivity of peripheral tissues is rarely established and one of the main reasons is that laboratory tests are too expensive to determine this pathology.

Modifying causative factors of cold allergy are considered:

• Unreasonable treatment with immunomodulatory drugs. The correct increase in the body’s defenses consists of a course of taking vitamin complexes, hardening, fortified and balanced nutrition. But some people, succumbing to advertising campaigns, begin to actively drink immunomodulators before the cold season. However, it is strictly prohibited to take drugs from this group without specific indications. One of the serious adverse reactions to immunomodulators is increased allergic background. Simply put, after treatment with immunomodulators, there is a high probability that in response to even the smallest allergen, the immune system can react so violently that it will lead to damage to its own tissues. Others no less serious consequence immunomodulatory therapy is considered to have a high risk of autoimmune reactions;
• Independent substances that stimulate mast cell activity. The main mediators of inflammatory changes in allergies are secreted by mast cells. Their release is stimulated by immune defense cells or antibodies. But a number of substances have been identified that directly activate the release of inflammatory mediators, these include: antibiotic drugs, opiates, muscle relaxants (drugs that promote muscle relaxation), a number of polysaccharides, radiocontrast agents (radioactive iodine, technetium). Latest drugs used when conducting X-ray examinations with a contrast agent.

Mast cells can be activated in some people and under the influence of physical and chemical factors, such as:

• Mechanical pressure and friction on the body;
• Low or elevated temperatures;
• Ultraviolet radiation;

Food products can also directly increase the activity of mast cells:

• Tomatoes;
• Fish;
• Chocolate;
• Nuts;
• Egg white;
• The fruits of strawberries and wild strawberries.

Accompanying illnesses blood and other risk factors:

• Long-term therapy with ACE inhibitors. These are drugs such as Enap, Ramipril, Captopril, they are used to normalize blood pressure with hypertension. However, you need to know that ACE-angiotensin is directly involved in the inactivation of bradykinin. Therefore, with long-term use antihypertensive drugs from this group, bradykinin accumulates in tissues, and its high concentration increases the likelihood of severe symptoms in response to exposure to cold.
• Concomitant diseases of the blood, digestive organs, including the liver. At toxic hepatitis, which occurs as a result of prolonged use of isoniazid (an anti-tuberculosis drug) or in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, the release of the main mediators of inflammatory reactions from the body slows down. This can also happen with long-term use of a number of toxic drugs. With inflammatory pathologies of the small intestine, changes occur in its walls that contribute to the accelerated absorption of histamine found in incoming intestines. digestive system food products. With prolonged fasting and improper adherence to diet therapy, the histaminopectic activity of the liquid part of the blood (plasma) decreases, which leads to histamine being retained in peripheral tissues. That is, the most optimal conditions are created for triggering an allergic reaction, including to cold.

Symptoms

An allergy to cold can cause almost any symptoms characteristic of other types of pathology. But most often it occurs in the form of urticaria, Quincke's edema, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis.

All these conditions can develop either separately from each other or together, and can also transform into one another.

The main symptoms characteristic of a cold allergy appear in a certain sequence. Initially, the skin turns red, then itching begins to be felt, slight swelling, feverish syndrome, swelling of loose tissues, and hoarseness appear.

Shortness of breath gradually appears, the skin and mucous membranes turn blue; There is tinnitus, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.

Lack of timely assistance causes anaphylactic shock, involuntary urination and defecation convulsions.

Each of the symptoms appears at a certain time after contact with cold and has its own characteristics.

Redness (hyperemia)

Redness occurs in those areas where the cold affects the tissue the most, in winter this is usually the face, hands, and neck.

The areas with the thinnest skin acquire the brightest color; thickened skin does not react so violently to low temperatures with a change in shade.

First of all, hyperemia affects open areas of the body with cracks in the skin. Externally, hyperemic lesions in the photo look like spots with pinpoint rashes; when individual lesions merge, reddened areas up to 15 cm in diameter are formed.

Such spots do not protrude above the surface of the body; they quickly disappear after the cold stops affecting the skin.

Itching

The cause of itching during allergies is the effect of histamine on nerve fiber receptors. In most cases, itching begins to bother you 15-30 minutes after redness. As other cold allergy symptoms progress, the intensity of the itching also increases.

Its growth can also be facilitated by heat, physical activity, excessive sweating, spicy seasonings in dishes. Based on the marks of scratching on the body and their severity, the doctor can draw a conclusion about the intensity of allergic itching.

Swelling

Swelling most often refers to cold urticaria, that is, the formation on the body of small, round, raised blisters ranging in size from a few millimeters to 20 and sometimes more than centimeters.

Individual closely spaced bubbles may merge. Urticaria goes away without a trace almost immediately after warming up.

Redness, swelling, itchy areas on the hands, face, neck are not considered dangerous manifestations allergies to cold. As a rule, all these changes go away after the body finally warms up and neutralizes the effect of cryoglobulins.

But there is more severe symptoms hypersensitivity to low temperatures, this :

• FEVER SYNDROME. The temperature in most cases stays at 37.5 degrees, but as the allergy progresses it can jump to 40. In this case, severe weakness, muscle pain, dizziness and headaches appear;
• Fiber edema. If in pathological process fiber is involved, this already indicates the development of Quincke's edema. Basic it external signs localized on the face - increasing swelling of the lips appears, the eyelids and nose become very swollen. The surface of the swollen tissues is shiny, their structure is dense, and the color can be either red or pale. Quincke's edema can also be determined from photographs of patients with allergies. But the particular danger is still not external, but internal swelling, spreading to the throat. Narrowing of the airways leads to oxygen starvation and suffocation;
• CHANGE IN VOICE TIMBRE (HOOSESSNESS). The reason for the appearance of this symptom is swelling of the mucous walls of the larynx, which extends to the glottis. The vocal cords, as a result of exposure to cold, become swollen, which leads to a narrowing of the space between them. As hoarseness progresses, it leads to a barking cough and shortness of breath; the patient becomes increasingly panicky, which further worsens his condition. Increasing hoarseness is a serious symptom that requires immediate attention. emergency assistance– medicinal or surgical;
• Shortness of breath. With any allergy, shortness of breath occurs for several reasons, these are:
• Quincke's edema. This condition is characterized by inspiratory dyspnea, that is, difficulty in inhaling;
• BRONCHOSPASM. Swelling can also spread to the bronchi, which leads to their narrowing, resulting in bronchospasm. The patient has difficulty exhaling air. Bronchospasm can be determined by a short inhalation and a long, noisy exhalation;
• PULMONARY EDEMA . Appearing as a result of disturbances in the functioning of the heart. The progression of shortness of breath leads to panic and fear of death, which is physiologically manifested by increased heart rate. If the patient has a chronic pathology of cardio-vascular system, then this can provoke stagnation of blood in the pulmonary circulation. As a consequence of this, the pressure on the capillaries begins to increase, as a result of which the liquid part of the blood seeps into the lumen of the alveoli, which removes them from respiratory process.
• Cyanosis of the mucous membranes and skin. A bluish tint appears in the nasolabial triangle on the face and on the fingers. The main reason for this change in skin color is oxygen starvation of the tissues due to shortness of breath. The less oxygen is supplied, the more noticeable the blueness of the skin becomes;
  
• Dizziness, nausea, extraneous noises in the ears. These symptoms indicate hypotension (drop in blood pressure), which occurs due to insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the cerebellum, stem structures and temporal lobes of the brain;
• LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS . Occurs when the brain begins to experience acute shortage oxygen. Unconscious state and turning blue at the same time skin most often due to obstruction of the airways. But if there is no bluishness of the skin, then this may be a sign of sudden hypotension due to the circulation of a large number of immune cells in the blood at once. This condition indicates the development of anaphylactic shock;
• ANAPHYLAXIA. The cause of anaphylactic shock is not only the rapid simultaneous entry of allergens into the blood, but also an excessive reaction of the immune defense organs. A characteristic sign of anaphylaxis is sharp drop blood pressure before critical values. This condition is called collapse; when it occurs, a person’s life depends on how correctly medical care is provided in the first minutes;
• CONVISIONS, INVOLUTIONARY URINATION AND DEFECATION. Similar signs appear during an agonal state, that is, during the death of brain tissue.

Allergy to cold most often develops in the form of:

• COLD RHINITIS. The main manifestations are a runny nose with profuse formation clear mucus. This kind of rhinitis goes away quickly after warming up in a warm room;
• COLD URTISH. The initial symptoms are itching and pain in open areas of the body - arms, face, then the unpleasant sensations spread to closed areas of the body. Subsequently, redness of the affected areas appears and blisters form. Outwardly, such changes resemble a nettle burn;
• COLD DERMATITIS. In addition to itching, redness and individual flaky areas appear on the skin;
• COLD CONJUNCTIVITIS. It manifests itself as pain and profuse lacrimation in the cold.

First aid for cold allergies

Correctly provided assistance in the first minutes of the development of cold allergies prevents the progression of symptoms and the occurrence of complications, including anaphylactic shock.

If you notice that low temperature has a specific effect on you and causes unusual symptoms, then you should do the following:

• Gently massage your nose and cheeks with your fingers, this will help reduce the main manifestations of rhinitis and conjunctivitis;
• Treat your lips with hygienic lipstick or any rich cream, this measure prevents the appearance of puffiness;
• If possible, protect your face from the cold - use a scarf to cover your nose and mouth, a hood or a headdress for your forehead;
• Put gloves on your hands or hide your palms in your pockets, under your arms, under the hem of your clothes;
• Try to get into a warm room as soon as possible;
• In warm weather, be sure to remove all outer clothing, put on dry and warm underwear, and, if possible, lie down and cover yourself with a thick blanket;
• Drink a warm, but not too hot drink - tea, rosehip decoction, milk with honey.

If the deterioration in health is caused by an allergy to cold, then if the measures described above are observed, relief will occur in 20-30 minutes. If this does not happen, then most likely the symptoms that appear are associated with a respiratory infection.

However, if the condition worsens, it is advisable to call ambulance, as this may indicate the development of anaphylactic shock.

Diagnostics

Allergy to cold, fortunately, does not occur so often, but this creates the main problems at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis of the disease and subsequent treatment are carried out by an allergist.

In order not to make a mistake with the conclusion, the doctor must prescribe an extensive examination to the patient, which includes:

• INTERVIEWING THE PATIENT. During the conversation, the allergist must establish:
  • What are the most common manifestations of allergies?
  • Conditions conducive to their occurrence;
  • How do the symptoms go away - on their own or only after using medications?
  • What medications does the patient use to reduce allergy symptoms, and do they help completely cope with the signs of the disease?
  • Frequency of allergies;
  • Are there other intolerance reactions?
  • Living conditions - place of work and residence, especially attention should be paid to whether there is mold, dampness in the house, whether there are pets living nearby;
  • Habitual diet;
  • What hygiene products does the patient use, and have there been any cases of allergic reactions to detergents and cosmetics;
  • Do you have any blood relatives with allergic diseases?
  • Determination of chronic diseases;
  • Is the patient taking any medications?
• SKIN INSPECTION. It is necessary to examine the body for rashes, spots, individual flaky areas, and traces of scratching. When identifying a rash, you need to ask about the nature of its appearance - when it formed, whether it is prone to spreading and disappearing on its own. It is imperative to examine the intimate areas;
• PROVOCATION TEST– test with a piece of ice;
• GENERAL AND BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD TESTS. IN general analysis In the blood, with allergies, the number of eosinophils and leukocytes increases and the ESR increases. In biochemistry, an allergic reaction is indicated by an increase in the number of immune complexes, proteins appearing in acute stage inflammation, increased immunoglobulin E;
• ANALYSIS OF URINE . With allergies, it generally does not change, but detection of the protein may indicate the development of glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease that often occurs as a complication of an allergic reaction;
• TEST. It is carried out to identify lymphocytes sensitized to cryoglobulin protein. A positive reaction indicates that it is the cold that triggers the allergic reaction cascade;
• SKIN TESTS. They are prescribed if the diagnosis does not prove one hundred percent that the cause of the allergy is cold. When using allergen irritants that can cause symptoms similar to cold allergies.

In addition to the main examination, consultations with an infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, and endocrinologist are prescribed. Depending on the changes detected, the doctor may prescribe other diagnostic procedures.

Drug treatment

It is necessary to treat an allergy to cold by eliminating contact with low temperatures and other provoking factors. This means that in the winter months of the year you need to be outside as little as possible, and if you need to move, dress as warmly as possible.

Drug therapy consists of taking several groups of drugs; the advisability of their simultaneous use is determined by the doctor.

Antihistamines

• Mechanism of action – strengthen the membranes of mast cells, which in turn prevents the release of inflammatory mediators;
• Antihistamines effectively eliminate the main manifestations of cold allergies - skin hyperemia, swelling, irritation and itching, shortness of breath, hoarseness.

Used for allergies to cold antihistamines:

• SUPRASTIN. Adult patients are prescribed 25 mg at a time, daily dosage no more than 100 mg;
• FENISTIL GEL. Used externally, allergic skin rashes should be lubricated with a thin layer of gel 2-3 times a day;
• GISTAN CREAM (not to be confused with Gistan N ointment, as it contains a corticosteroid). The cream is applied to the affected areas 2-4 times a day;
• LORATADINE. Adults are prescribed 10 mg, tablets are taken once a day;
• 0.1% CLEMASTINE SOLUTION. Used for making injections. The daily dose is 2 ml, divided into 2 injections;
• CETRIN TABLETS. Adults are prescribed 10 mg per day; the daily dose can be divided into 2 doses;
• CETRIN SYRUP. Children under 6 years of age are prescribed 2.5 mg of syrup twice a day, after 6 years of age and adults 10 mg per day;
• TAVEGIL IN INJECTION. Give intramuscularly at 2 mg 2 times a day. To prevent allergies, Tavegil can be administered intravenously diluted with saline. solution;
• ERUS SYRUP. After 12 years, the daily dosage is 10 ml, it must be drunk at a time;
• CLEMASTINE IN TABLETS. Dosage for adults: 1 mg twice daily;
• ZIRTEK. After 6 years, the daily dosage is half a tablet, it can be increased to a whole tablet. The medicine is taken once a day;
• ZIRTEK IN DROPS. For allergies to cold, it is prescribed to children from 6 months. After six months, 5 drops per day are prescribed; for children from one to two years, the daily dosage is allowed to be increased to 10 drops. Up to 6 years of age, the medicine is taken 10 drops at a time, or this dosage is divided into 2 doses. After 6 years and adults, the daily dosage is 20 drops.

Corticosteroids

• Mechanism of action – block the development of all stages of the allergic reaction, have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect;
• Corticosteroids quickly eliminate redness, swelling, itching, help relieve shortness of breath, bronchospasm, and increase blood pressure.

Corticosteroids commonly used for cold allergies:

• 0.1% ADVANTAN OINTMENT. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the body no more than 2 times a day;
• 0.5% OINTMENT BELODERM. It is recommended to apply to areas of inflammation 1-2 times a day;
• OINTMENT OR GEL FLUCINAR. Use no more than 2 times a day, applying a thin layer to areas with allergic changes;
• TRIDERM OINTMENT. Is combined agent, in addition to the hormone, the ointment contains an antimicrobial component. Frequency of application – 2 times a day;
• DEXAMETHASONE IN SOLUTION. Used for making injections. At anaphylactic shock a single dosage is 40-80 mg, in subsequent days Dexamethasone is given at 5-10 mg;
• KENALOG FOR INJECTION. Administer 40-60 mg intramuscularly once every 4 weeks.

Bronchodilators

• Mechanism of action - influence the bronchial receptors and improve the course of metabolic reactions in the mucous walls;
• They relieve shortness of breath, bronchospasm, and thereby eliminate the phenomena of hypoxia, including cyanosis of tissues.

Bronchodilators include:

• EUPHYLLINE 2.4% SOLUTION. For allergies to cold, it is mainly used in the form of intravenous injections. Single dosage: 5-10 ml of the drug per 5-10 ml of saline. solution;
• ATROVENT IN AEROSOL. 2 inhalations up to 4 times a day;
• SALBUTAMOL IN SPRAYS. 1-2 inhalations once every 4-6 hours;
• EPHEDRINE INJECTION. 20-50 mg is administered intravenously in saline solution.

Adrenergic agonists

• Mechanism of action - drugs from this group act on alpha-adrenergic receptors in blood vessels. They narrow their lumen, reduce swelling, increase blood pressure;
• Used for hypotension, edema, anaphylactic shock.

Adrenergic agonists used for cold allergies include:

• 0.1% ADRENALINE. 1-2 ml are injected slowly into a vein in case of shock;
• 1% MEZATONE. For hypotension and shock, 0.1-0.5 ml is administered intravenously, the drug is first diluted in 20 ml saline. solution.

Drug therapy for the treatment of cold allergies should be prescribed by a doctor. When using corticosteroids, it is necessary to take into account that drugs from this group are used for a short course, and the frequency of their application must be observed.

Features of treatment for children

The principles of treating cold allergies in children are practically no different from the treatment of adult patients. However, dosages of drugs must correspond to the child’s age or body weight, and a number of medications are approved for use in pediatric practice only from a certain age

Self-treatment of cold allergies in children often leads to a worsening of the pathology and can cause complications.

If you cannot get an appointment with a doctor the first time after signs of an allergic reaction to cold appear, then you should choose the safest means and give them to your child in strict accordance with the instructions.

Diet therapy

Proper nutrition for allergies to cold, significantly reduces the severity of the pathology, accelerates the recovery of the body and enhances the effect drug therapy.

Diet therapy involves complete exclusion in the acute phase of the disease:

• Too salty and spicy dishes;
• Fried and fatty foods;
• Canned, pickled and smoked products;
• Seafood;
• Sausages;
• Nuts, citrus fruits;
• Store-bought sauces;
• Spicy cheeses;
• High fat dairy products;
• Tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach;
• Sweets, including chocolate.

It is allowed to eat porridge, vegetable soups, boiled meat and products made from it, vegetable stews and salads, apples, pears.

It is advisable to choose vegetables and fruits in green and yellow shades. Dairy products are also useful, but not fatty and without additional additives.

Prevention

If a tendency to allergies to cold manifests itself from childhood, then it is necessary to follow a number of preventive measures to avoid experiencing severe symptoms of the pathology.

Such measures include:

• Preventive use of antihistamines in a reduced dosage before the cold season of the year. You should consult your doctor about their choice;
• Maintaining a hypoallergenic diet in winter. But at the same time, food must replenish the necessary supply of calories and be fortified;
• Wearing warm clothes made from natural fabrics on cold days. Outfits should be chosen so that exposed areas of the body are protected as much as possible, and the wind does not penetrate through clothing;
• Lubricating the skin of the face and lips 20-30 minutes before going outside with a rich cream;
• Drinking hot drinks before going outside in cold weather. It could be simple or green tea, drink with ginger and honey, compote. You should not drink alcohol, since its warming effect manifests itself for a short period of time, and in the future ethanol, on the contrary, helps to cool the body;
• Strengthening the immune system - hardening, taking vitamin complexes, treating chronic diseases.

In winter, be sure to wear gloves, wrap your neck with a scarf, and cover your forehead and nose. It's better to breathe through a scarf.

Do not forget that if you are predisposed to a cold allergy, its symptoms can be caused by drinking cold drinks, washing your hands and face with too cool water, or exposing the body to piercing wind. That is, the influence of all these causal factors should be excluded.

All of the above preventive measures gradually reduce the amount of cryoglobulin in the body, and in its absence, tissue hypersensitivity to cold also goes away.

People with allergies to cold should always carry antihistamines with them. It is also necessary to ensure that communication devices are always charged - in the event of an acute allergy, the phone will be needed to call an ambulance.

Cold allergy is a pathology that you can live with without radically changing your usual lifestyle. To do this, you just need to be more attentive to your health, properly plan to be outside on winter days and follow preventive measures.

It is important to take walks in the fresh air with children in both warm and cold seasons. But sometimes young children are allergic to cold. Its appearance is due to the fact that the baby’s immune system has not yet strengthened and is not able to independently cope with sudden changes in temperature. As a rule, such an allergy goes away on its own as the child grows older. Many parents don't even know what it is specific disease exists.

Often, symptoms of an allergy to cold occur after a recent infectious disease, when the child’s body is weakened and cannot fully resist various negative factors environment.

Allergy to cold in children is called atypical (pseudoallergy). And all because ordinary allergies are caused by allergens, and in this case frost or strong winds become the factors of its occurrence.

Symptoms of allergy to frost

The very first symptoms of frost allergy in children are reddening of the cheeks after a walk in the cold season. Many parents confuse these symptoms with a healthy glow on the face. When placed in a warm room, the reddened skin begins to peel off, and bulging blisters appear on it, which look like urticaria (traces of nettle burns). This is a direct sign of an allergy to cold and is called cold urticaria. Alternatively, a pale rash may appear on the face and disappear completely after the child gets into a warm place. You can clearly see how these symptoms look externally in the photo.

A mild form of the disease manifests itself in damage to open areas of the body - on the face and hands. In a more severe form, cold dermatitis occurs, which affects even closed areas of the skin - shins and forearms, knee and elbow bends, where there are few sweat and fat glands. Below you can see photos showing manifestations of allergies on the hands.

Redness of the skin on the face is almost always accompanied by itching. All symptoms usually go away after a couple of hours, but if the baby scratches his cheeks, this can lead to serious illness- streptoderma.

Sometimes allergy symptoms can spread to the eyes. In this case, in the cold, the child begins to have lacrimation, which is fraught with inflammation of the mucous membrane and the development of conjunctivitis. The eyes turn red and begin to itch. Tearfulness provokes a runny nose, so it can be confused with the flu or food allergies. In some cases, the baby is allergic not to frost, but to fur hat or a down jacket, which they put on him before every walk.

The real danger is that the baby may not complain of itching or pain, so parents may not even be aware of the reasons for his discomfort.

Hypothermia can cause lips to become swollen and red, dizzy, causing nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may lead to dangerous conditions- fainting, swelling of individual parts of the body, tachycardia. Quincke's edema is especially dangerous, in which the baby begins to choke. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.

You can determine whether your baby is allergic to frost at home using simple test with ice. An ice cube is taken and placed on the baby’s forearm, previously freed from clothing, for 4 minutes. Then the ice is removed and after 10 minutes the reaction of the child’s body is observed. If the skin begins to become covered with red spots, then the test was positive and the baby is allergic to frost, but if the skin remains in in good condition, then wait another hour and evaluate the result. If there are no changes, the test is considered negative and the baby is healthy.

Causes of allergies

There may be several main reasons for the appearance of an allergy to frost:

1. The baby spends most of his time indoors, rarely goes outside, and leads a sedentary lifestyle.
2. There is an infectious disease (hepatitis, herpes, etc.).
3. The presence of chronic hereditary congenital or acquired diseases (for example, tonsillitis, pyelonephritis, sinusitis).

Sometimes cold urticaria is inherited. The disease appears at six months of age. In rare cases, a hereditary predisposition in children manifests itself from birth. After 1-2 hours, even after slight cooling (from a draft, for example), a rash appears on the baby’s skin, body temperature begins to rise, conjunctivitis occurs, etc.

Sometimes cold allergies in children signal the emergence of a new disease (infectious or related to the immune system), so doctors refer for general and biochemical analysis blood, urine, rheumatic tests, so that the correct treatment can be prescribed.

Treatment and prevention

An allergy to cold can arise unexpectedly, and then also suddenly disappear, tormenting the child for just one winter season. But it may not go away, but bother the baby more and more and even begin to appear in the warm season after swimming in cool water or eating something cold. According to doctors, if this allergy is not treated, it can lead to severe consequences- bronchial asthma.

What to do if you are allergic to frost? If you suspect a childhood allergy, you should contact your pediatrician, who will refer you to a pediatric allergist. Once the diagnosis is made, the baby will be prescribed antihistamines, vitamins (A, B, C, E, PP) that stimulate blood circulation and will be advised to minimize the child’s exposure to the cold.

The most popular, effective and safe antihistamines for children under one year old are Zertec (from 6 months) and Fenistil (from 1 month).

Cold and frosty air in themselves are not allergens, so completely avoid walking with your baby outside. fresh air not allowed during the winter season. You just need to take some measures to prevent redness in your baby's cheeks.

Before going outside with your baby during the cold season, you must:

1. Dress him in warm clothes, mainly made from natural fabrics, so that he remains exposed as much as possible. less body. The jacket should be long and windproof with a hood. Instead of gloves, it is better to wear mittens on your baby.
2. Give the baby a warm liquid to drink (tea, water, compote).
3. An hour before going out, apply a thin layer of thick baby cream to exposed areas of the body. It forms a film that will protect the skin on the face from the harmful effects of external factors.

You need to keep an eye on your baby outside. If his cheeks turn bright red, it’s time to end the walk and return home.

Parents should monitor the baby's nutrition. The presence of allergenic foods in the diet contributes to the body's reaction to frost.

The most drastic way to rid your child of problems with cold allergies is to move to warmer climes.

The most important thing when you notice redness on your baby’s face after a walk in winter is not to self-medicate. Many other diseases can be disguised as cold allergies. If you treat a baby for a disease that he does not have, you can cause irreparable harm to his health. Only an allergist can correctly diagnose the disease after testing and prescribe the correct course of treatment.

Allergy to cold is one of many types of atypical responses of the body’s immune system to an external stimulus. The origin of allergies can be determined by the name itself, namely, the body’s response to exposure to cold temperatures.

For quite a long time, medicine rejected the existence of such a diagnosis for the reason that there is no allergen that causes such an atypical reaction in the body, and the occurrence of a response is provoked by a physical effect - cold. Accordingly, if there is no allergen, then there is no allergy.

However, exposure to cold air on the body of some sensitive individuals can cause a large-scale release of histamine, which causes reactions characteristic of other types of allergies - vasodilation, itching and redness of the mucous membranes and skin, and the development of edema. This response occurs by directly reducing the temperature of skin receptors.

Manifestations in children: photos

Causes of cold allergy development

Modern medicine cannot yet give a definitive answer to the reasons for the development of cold allergies, but the following factors can cause this type of allergy in particularly sensitive people:

Sharp temperature contrast - when there is a sharp change in air temperature conditions from normal to low, especially in windy weather in winter.

Contact with cold water - during swimming in open water, in everyday life (cleaning, washing dishes in cold water).

Consuming very cold food or drinks.

A strong, seasoned body with a strong immune system can easily tolerate such temperature changes without developing reactions.

However, in cases where there is a decrease in the body’s protective capabilities, in severe diseases, disorders metabolic processes, systemic disorders - the body may be subject to the development of such allergies. Stress is the main factor leading to disruptions in the immune system, so resistance to stress affects the development of allergies, and people with this feature have better health.

Factors that provoke the development of cold allergies:

The presence of an allergic response to other types of irritants - pollen, food, household allergies.

Hereditary factor.

Presence: systemic lupus erythematosus, oncology, thyroid diseases.

Recurrent skin diseases - psoriasis, eczema, neurodermatitis.

Some infectious diseases– rubella, mycoplasma pneumonia, measles, mumps.

Chronic diseases – intestinal dysbiosis, helminthiasis, sinusitis, sinusitis.

In some cases, cold allergies are transmitted hereditarily from parents to children, while in most of these cases it is a direct reaction of the body to windy weather and, to a lesser extent, a reaction to cold. The manifestation of such an allergy is accompanied by a burning sensation, not itching of the skin.

Manifestations of allergies to cold

Symptoms of cold allergy can have several forms of manifestation - from quickly disappearing mild signs of the disease to serious skin rashes having a recurrent nature.

Skin manifestations are the most common signs of cold allergies, which include: itching, swelling, redness of skin areas exposed to cold.

Some time later, the skin in these places begins to itch, hurt, and may also become covered with blisters, typical of hives.

In children, the spread of manifestations of cold allergies can affect areas of the knees, hips, internal parts shins in the form of urticaria. An itchy, dense, pink rash appears that disappears within a few hours. Sometimes the manifestation of a cold allergy is accompanied by the appearance of a layer of flaky, itchy, reddened skin, similar to dermatitis. Also, bruises may appear over time at the sites where allergies occur.

The favorite places for cold allergies to manifest are: hands and face. This is due to the fact that these areas of the skin are under maximum impact due to their maximum openness.

General malaise – weakness, headache, shortness of breath, high blood pressure.

Signs of allergic conjunctivitis are pain in the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, swelling in the eye area, tearing and increased sensitivity to bright light. Differentiation of the diagnosis requires contacting an ophthalmologist and dermatologist, because lacrimation in the cold can be a symptom of a fungal or mite (Demodex) infection in the patient.

Allergic rhinitis - going out into the cold is accompanied by sneezing and runny nose. Swelling of the nasal mucosa can lead to complete or partial blockage and difficulty breathing, but returning to a warm environment completely relieves symptoms.

Diagnosis of cold allergies

If one of the above signs appears, you must visit a therapist, who will write a referral to see an immunologist-allergist. After conducting comprehensive laboratory and diagnostic tests, the doctor will be able to determine the exact cause of the allergic reaction.

allergy to cold on hands: photo

Cold allergies have a number of symptoms

Sometimes cold allergies in preschool children can manifest with signs similar to neurodermatitis and atopic dermatitis.

Similar allergy symptoms occur in the case of idiopathic dermatosis. This disease is characterized by deregulated functioning of cold and heat receptors of the skin. In this case, difficulty breathing, sneezing, swelling, lacrimation manifests itself both when exposed to heat and cold.

Intolerance to the fur of certain types of animals (chinchilla, mink, rabbit), as well as sheep wool and woolen fabrics, can also be confused with cold allergies. A person dresses in clothes containing an allergen when going outside, and upon returning has swelling of the nasopharynx and a rash as a result, this reaction of the body is regarded as an allergy to cold.

The situation is similar with perfumes. An allergic reaction can occur to perfume applied to the face, neck, and forearm, and not to the cold, as the patient believes.

The main task when allergy symptoms appear is considered to be correct positioning accurate diagnosis, and after differentiation and confirmation of the diagnosis, treatment of the disease can begin.

Treatment of allergies to cold

The inability to exclude the influence of an allergen such as cold significantly complicates the fight against the disease. When a patient is diagnosed with “cold allergy”, strictly symptomatic treatment. So, with the help of antihistamines, it is possible to somewhat reduce the manifestation of allergies, or try to protect exposed skin areas as much as possible from the effects of cold.

You can reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction if:

To partially protect exposed skin, before going out into the cold, you can lubricate your hands and face with a rich cream - for adults and baby cream - for children. To protect your lips, you can lubricate them with hygienic lipstick.

It also has good protective properties badger fat, which is rich in vitamins A, B, and fatty acids that have a positive effect on human skin. It is enough to lubricate exposed areas of the face (nose, cheeks, lips) and hands with badger fat 20 minutes before going outside. If there are no severe liver pathologies, badger fat can be taken orally, 1 tablespoon 40 minutes before breakfast.

To protect from the wind and keep warm, long gloves, hoods on outerwear, waterproof mittens (for children), and warm wide scarves are perfect.

Medicinal herbs can perfectly eliminate the manifestations of urticaria that appears in response to cold, provided that the patient does not suffer from hay fever. Among the herbs, the most useful are: walnut leaves, tricolor violet, burdock root. To prepare the decoction, you need to mix equal parts of herbs and pour boiling water over 2 tablespoons of the mixture, leave the decoction for 1 hour and strain. Drink the decoction three times a day, 60 ml.

To locally eliminate skin manifestations of allergies to cold, you can use a decoction of spruce or pine cones. To do this, you will need 4 cones, which must be simmered over low heat in water for about half an hour. The strained decoction can be used to wipe the affected areas of the skin.

With a slight manifestation of cold allergies, gradual hardening can be a good panacea; it will strengthen the immune system and help reduce the body’s reaction. Hardening of children and adults with intense manifestations of the disease is strictly prohibited; such procedures can lead to the development of complications: laryngeal edema, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock.

Also, to prevent the manifestation of cold allergy symptoms, antihistamines can be used in winter:

You can understand the issue in more detail in this video: