Learn About Cold Allergies and How To Overcome Them

Of course, you want this to be uninterrupted quality time when you and your family can finally fulfill a long-planned vacation itinerary. Even though the plan has been designed in this manner, there are still health concerns that must be monitored and can occur at any time, such as cold allergies.

Well, practically, you don't need to worry much about this when you are on vacation in an area with warm enough air. But when you and your family travel to mountainous areas, or maybe highland areas, or it could even be coastal areas with strong winds, vigilance on this health disorder must be increased.

Also read: The Importance of Medical Check Up Beginning at a Young Age

What is Cold Allergy?

Cold allergy itself can also be known as cold urticaria. This condition occurs when the immune system experiences an excessive reaction to the cold temperature and usually manifests itself in the form of bumps or even hives on the skin.

According to the official website of Siloam Hospitals, this allergy can occur or be experienced when a person is exposed to cold air, touches cold objects, or even finishes swimming in cold water.

In general, you don't need to think much about this allergy because it can disappear by itself. But in some more serious cases, cold allergies can trigger loss of consciousness, cause anaphylactic shock, characterized by drastic drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath, a weakened pulse, and palpitations.

So until this part, you have started to know what cold allergies are and some of the triggers and symptoms, right?

Cold Allergy Triggers

A little has been mentioned at the beginning about some of the things that trigger the emergence of this cold allergy. Now in this second part, you can learn more about what things can trigger the emergence of this allergy, so you can start carefully and be aware of some of the triggers.

At least in general, there are three main factors that can be triggers. First are age, certain medical conditions that you or family members have, and hereditary or genetic factors.

1. Age Factor

The age factor is one of the main triggers for a person to experience cold allergies. Generally, this allergy is suffered by children and adolescents, and if there is no other more serious trigger, it will disappear with age.

2. Factors of Certain Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions in question start with cancer, hepatitis, or a person who is attacked by certain infectious diseases. People of this group are more likely to experience allergies to the weather or the cold.

3. Hereditary Factor

The third factor is genetic. This allergy is also known to be passed from one generation to the next.

Common Characteristics When Someone Has a Cold Allergy

It is true that a person's cold allergy can manifest itself in various ways when they move to a new place. But there are some of the most common symptoms that appear. These symptoms or characteristics are as follows.

  • Itching and the appearance of reddish rashes in different areas of the skin
  • Experiencing swelling of the hands or body parts that meet cold objects
  • Feeling of warmth in the skin, along with worsening of other symptoms
  • Red bumps appear on the skin, commonly known as urticaria
  • There is swelling in the lip area after consumption of food or drinks that are too cold

Some other symptoms that may appear are fever, increased white blood cell count, joint pain, or headache. In more severe conditions, allergy sufferers can also show symptoms of stress.

When to Go to the Doctor?

Although it seems trivial, cold allergies can turn fatal if the following two things happen:

  • The skin reacts after exposure to cold, even if only with mild intensity
  • Patients show reactions after exposure to colds such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or swelling in the tongue or throat

When these two main characteristics occur, you should immediately contact a doctor to get more professional treatment and prevent more severe things from happening.

Cold Allergy Treatment

As for the treatment steps, you can see them directly on one of the sites owned by the Ministry of Health, on the website owned by the Directorate General of Health Services. There are four treatment steps that can be taken.

1. See a Doctor

Well, the most obvious and correct step is to check the allergies experienced by the doctor. When symptoms begin to disturb, make children fussy, or ruin a fun time that should be enjoyed, do not hesitate to take him to the doctor.

This way, you can find out exactly what the cause is, and the doctor will provide the most appropriate treatment steps or drugs based on the diagnosis.

2. Antihistamine Medicine

Giving antihistamine drugs will relieve the symptoms of cold allergies. This drug can suppress the reaction of histamine released by the immune system, and cause symptoms of itching and redness on the skin.

But before giving it, it's good to consult with your trusted doctor so that the dose and time of administration are right.

3. Keeping the Body Warm

The third way is to keep the body of this allergy sufferer warm. Cold winds, air conditioning temperatures that are too low, or things with below-average temperatures should be kept away for a while.

You can wear jackets, blankets, gloves, trousers, or socks so that the bodies of family members who experience allergies remain warm and stable.

4. Stay Away from Allergy Triggers

Indeed, when allergy symptoms have appeared, it is a little late to take preventive steps. But at least you can keep the trigger away from this allergy, so what is experienced does not get worse and lead to worse health problems.

Also read: Information Regarding Acid Reflux, a 'Common' Illness in the Workplace

Knowing more about cold allergies is a good first step to preventing this from happening and understanding how to quickly and precisely recognize when allergies are inevitable. In addition to these preventive measures, you will be greatly helped if you have the right insurance.

AXA Insurance, then offers SmartCare Executive Health Insurance products that can be used for you and all family members who participate in every trip or activity. Health Insurance from AXA Insurance Indonesia can also be very helpful in providing handling support because it has an extensive network of partner hospitals and clinics. So, stay healthy, be aware of the risks that exist, and make sure every activity runs smoothly and enjoyably in the place you visit!

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Source:

  • https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/mengenal-alergi-dingin
  • https://hellosehat.com/alergi/alergi-lainnya/alergi-dingin/
  • https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1058/tips-jitu-mengatasi-alergi-dingin-pada-anak