Question:
Is there such a thing as allergy to cold weather?
Answer:
There is definitely such a thing as "non-allergic rhinitis," which is an
inflammation caused by a variety of different factors--including changes
in temperature. And if you have a marginal allergic response such as seasonal hay fever, it
might not be noticed on a warm day. But the cool of evening or walking into
an air conditioned room can bring on sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, the
whole array of hay fever symptoms. Cold does not cause allergy but it can
sure aggravate an allergic condition. It can similarly aggravate asthma. Noses may run in cold air and wheezing is worse when breathing cold,
dry air, but these are considered to be intensifying circumstances
rather than allergy to cold weather. The one condition associated with
the cold that has been called allergy, and on occasion involves
identifiable antibodies, is cold urticaria (hives developing in
response to low temperature). What symptoms or signs do you refer to
when you say "allergy"? I believe I most assuredly have an allergy to cold weather and weather
changes in general...non-allergic rhinitis prob..but wild...I can walk
outside in the cold and I get congested immediately...drainage down my
throat and sometimes coughing....and constant sniffing....happens every
time...have found not one thing to do about it
either...frustrating....take allergy shots weekly and have FESS....am
better in regard to getting sinus infections..but the cold weather deal
remains big time! It's frustrating to have all that happen, isn't it? As far as the
specific term allergy is concerned, there is great variation in popular
usage. As an allergist/Immunologist I restrict it somewhat; others will
say they are allergic to work, for instance, and we all know what they
mean. Many of us feel that the only way to work scientifically with a
phenomenon is to clearly define a vocabulary before we even start.
Others feel this is not so important. If asked about "allergy" though,
I must use definitions with which I have grown up. For most of the last
100 years the definitions of what I work with have been pretty
invariable. Recently the style of vocabulary is more sort of, "like, ya
know what I mean?", and not so much emphasis is placed upon precision
of speech. There is really no right or wrong of it, so I will agree
that you are allergic to cold weather, but wouldn't be able to answer
any questions or make any scientific observations about such a
statement. Maybe you could answer these for me....I have Erythema Multiforme, which I
was told was a "reaction" to a virus or meds...is reaction the same as
allergy? Also, is this disease born out of a problem with the immune
system? Thanks for your input and sorry to everyone if I've deviated a bit
from the main subject. F
