Common cold allergy symptoms and other symptoms that are frequently complained of

Entering the cold climate or the rainy season, you will certainly rush over to get warm. But for some people, cold air can actually trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a cold allergy are usually evident on the skin, especially itching on the hands or feet known as hives.

Unfortunately, allergy symptoms are sometimes misidentified because itching can signal other conditions in the skin. So, how do you recognize the symptoms of a cold allergy so that you don't handle them wrong?

Recognize the signs of a cold allergy

Cold allergies are skin reactions that appear within minutes of being exposed to cold temperatures, either from water or air. This can be caused by cold weather, being in an air-conditioned room, swimming, or after a morning shower.

The symptoms of a cold allergy that are felt by each person can be different. You may experience mild symptoms, while others get worse until you pass out. Here's a list of the most common traits.

1. Swelling (angioedema)

If your hands or feet are swollen after coming into contact with cold objects or taking a shower in the morning, you could be experiencing allergy symptoms. Swelling can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the lips, nose, or even the eyes.

Swelling begins when the body is exposed to cold air. The immune system perceives cold temperatures as dangerous, then reacts by releasing antibodies and histamine. Histamine is a chemical that triggers a variety of allergy symptoms.

The antibodies and histamine then enter the blood vessels and cause fluid to leak under the skin. Fluid builds up in the tissue over time, causing swelling.

In the most dangerous cases, swelling occurs in the tongue and throat, causing the sufferer to experience pharyngeal edema. This condition can cause difficulty breathing and lead to death if not treated quickly.

2. Reddened skin and red bumps appear

One of the most obvious signs of a cold allergy is the appearance of a red, itchy rash on the skin. The cold temperature causes the white blood cells to release histamine into the bloodstream. The release of these chemicals triggers an inflammatory response.

As a result, the skin becomes full of red bumps and becomes swollen and itchy. There may also be other changes to the skin that occurred as part of an allergic reaction.

This cold allergy symptom doesn't just disappear when the sufferer moves to a warmer environment. In some cases, itchy skin from a cold allergy may worsen and last up to 24 hours.

The doctor will usually perform an allergy test by placing an ice cube on the patient's skin and seeing any inflammatory responses that may arise. If your skin turns red and you develop a rash, you most likely have a cold allergy.

4. Fever and headache

Apart from swollen, red, and itchy skin, cold allergies can also cause you to experience fever and mild headaches. These characteristics usually appear 30 minutes after the body is exposed to cold temperatures and can even last up to 48 hours.

Fever is a natural body reaction that indicates that inflammation is occurring due to the release of histamine. Meanwhile, headaches due to cold allergies usually occur when your nose is also blocked.

When you breathe in cold air, this can trigger the immune system to release histamine into the nose. As a result, blood vessels widen and make the nose blocked.

A blocked nose gradually puts pressure on the sinuses, which are the cavities in the skull and facial bones around your nose. The pressure in the sinuses eventually causes pain in the head.

5. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is also a sign of a cold allergy. This condition probably occurs because cold air that enters the esophagus triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals from the immune system.

Inhaling cold air can dry out the upper airways. Then, the cold air makes the nose become congested, itchy, and runny. In people with cold allergies, reactions may appear in a more severe form.

In addition, when you breathe rapidly in cold weather (for example, due to physical activity such as jogging, cycling, or walking), inhaled cold air can quickly trigger the release of mast cells, histamine and other chemicals.

The release of these substances triggers the constriction of the airways, leaving you feeling tight. If you force your breath while the airways are narrowed, the sound of your breath will sound like a whistle or what is known as wheezing.

6. Other cold allergy symptoms

In certain cases, people with cold allergies can experience other characteristics that are not common. There may be red, itchy skin with fever, headache, joint pain, and an increased number of white blood cells (leukocytosis) in the blood.

A severe cold allergy can also cause stress. This is because allergy symptoms are confused with other diseases. As a result, the treatment given was unable to relieve symptoms.

Symptoms of a severe cold allergy that need to be aware of

Common cold allergy features are usually harmless. However, if you are exposed to cold air that is too extreme and sudden, your body will release a lot of histamine so that the effect on your body is even worse.

This drastic reaction can then trigger anaphylactic shock. This condition can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, a weak pulse, airway constriction, fainting, and coma.

Some examples of exposure to cold allergies that can lead to anaphylactic shock are soaking, diving, or swimming in cold water. If anaphylactic shock occurs in water, the sufferer is certainly at risk of drowning.

Like other types of allergies, cold allergy symptoms should not be ignored. If symptoms are worrisome, immediately consult a doctor to get the right cold allergy treatment.

Usually, the doctor will prescribe an antihistamine and ask you to avoid cold air until the allergy characteristics improve. Doctors can also do further allergy tests to find out what other substances are the triggers.