Cold allergy is a real group of diseases that can manifest itself with a variety of symptoms when exposed to cold. Natalya Maltseva, an allergist-immunologist at the State Scientific Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology and the author of the telegram channel “Allergy and Happy Life”, told socialbites.ca.
“The so-called cold allergy is not always a real allergy. In fact, it is a collective concept that combines various reactions that occur in cold. Some of them are real allergic diseases, for example, exacerbation of asthma due to cold. In this case, the cold is only a provoking factor. But at the same time, cold urticaria “It can also be the direct cause of various symptoms: rash, swelling, breathing problems, low blood pressure. In this case, the patient experiences some immune reactions typical of allergies. In particular, the level of immunoglobulin E in the blood may increase,” Maltseva told socialbites.ca.
The immunologist emphasized that previously doctors often recommended immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing for patients with cold “allergies”, but this is no longer recommended because its levels do not affect prognosis or treatment.
“Anti-allergic antihistamines are effective in treating cold urticaria because they both contain the same immune cells. But the main thing is to limit contact with cold: avoid general hypothermia, cold drinks, contact with cold surfaces and snow. Special cold creams help reduce the risk of skin reactions “In addition, diving in open water is prohibited, even in summer, when the risk of systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) is high. This is because a large surface of the body cools rapidly when leaving the water – this can cause a reaction to cold,” explained the doctor.
previous doctors said About the benefits of cold to the body.