About Allergies: Could You Be Allergic to the Cold?

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies With the record low temperatures and heavy snowfall around the U.S. this season, many people can't help but wonder if they're allergic to the cold. Most of us experience an annoying runny nose when outside in the cold -- although this really isn't an allergy. But while most of us are just bothered by frigid weather, some people actually are allergic to the cold. These people suffer from cold urticaria, a form of chronic hives that worsens with cold temperatures. Cold urticaria can even trigger anaphylaxis if the person has a severe cold exposure, such as jumping into a cold swimming pool. Cold Urticaria Cold urticaria is a form of physical urticaria that is characterized by the development of hives and swelling with cold exposure. A variety of cold triggers can cause symptoms in people with this syndrome, including cold weather, cold food and drinks, as well as swimming in cold water... Read more See More About:  hives  itching  antihistamines Runny Noses in Cold Weather It could be allergies caused by pollen or mold in the air, but when you only have a runny nose when outdoors, it is most likely because of vasomotor rhinitis, which is a type of nonallergic rhinitis caused by changes in temperature, humidity and exposure to strong odors and perfumes... Read more Is It a Cold, or Is It Allergies? Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell. The symptoms of allergies can be very similar to the symptoms of the common cold, but there are some important differences. Both may cause nasal congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip and sneezing... Read more See More About:  allergy diagnosis  allergy testing  sinusitis Allergies Ads Allergies Food Allergy Allergy Treatment Skin Allergy Chronic Hives Featured Articles Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications Allergy Basics Frequently Asked Questions   More from About.com Over the Counter Cold Medications How to choose the right medication for your cold and flu symptoms. More> Should Kids Get Flu Shots? Think your child is too healthy to need a flu shot? Think again. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement