Are You Allergic to the Cold?

If you have a cold air allergy, once the temperature outside drops to about 40°F or below, your immune system may go into overdrive. Further, swimming in cold water, holding cold objects and even eating cold food can spark this effect. Please review the list below for some of the symptoms that people with a cold allergy might expect.

  • You may experience a red rash of hives on your skin.
  • Holding cold items can cause your hands to swell.
  • Eating cold foods can cause your lips to become swollen.

The Logistics of a Cold Allergy

If you suffer from a cold allergy, you might logically think that once you remove yourself from the cold, you'll start to feel better. However, in many cases, once you get to warmer conditions and begin to thaw out, this is when your reaction worsens.

Further, some people who're exceptionally sensitive may have a reaction even if the temperature doesn't drop near freezing. Other weather conditions, including dampness and wind can also increase the likelihood and severity of a cold allergy.

Extreme Reactions

Many people's symptoms in a cold allergy will be relatively mild, but this isn't always true. If your cold allergy is severe, you may also experience a systemic reaction, which can include fainting, drop in blood pressure, shock, swelling of the throat and tongue and even risk of death.

Further, swimming in cold water can often cause the most severe types of reactions. This is especially dangerous because if you lose consciousness in the water, you could be at risk of drowning.

Treatment Matters

The best course of action to avoid a cold allergy is to stay toasty warm this winter. But since you probably can't remain indoors for the next few months, patients worried about cold allergies may need to take an antihistamine before being exposed to potentially dangerous conditions. You should also see a doctor to rule out any other problems that could be brewing. Often a cold allergy co-occurs with other health issues or occurs shortly after an illness.

Some people have to worry about their cold allergy for life, while others, particularly children and young adults, may find that they outgrow this problem after a few years.




The Mayo Clinic

National Jewish Health

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