Recognize Symptoms and How To Overcome Air Allergies

Air allergies are usually characterized by skin reactions after exposure to air with a certain temperature or low-quality air. Symptoms of redness, itching, swelling and bumps.

Small, reddish bumps on the skin can be an allergic reaction to certain substances, such as latex and detergent. However, sometimes, the lump may also arise from exposure to hot, cold, or polluted air.

Allergic air is defined as an immune reaction that occurs after exposure to air with a certain temperature or low-quality air. Allergic reactions that appear can be just an itch, but can also be a life-threatening reaction.

The allergic reaction to hot air is called cholinergic urticaria , whereas the reaction to cold is known as cold urticaria . The reaction caused to each person can vary. There are only mild symptoms show, there is also a very sensitive until the blood pressure changes to shortness of breath and fainting. This reaction is called anaphylactic shock.

Air Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of airborne allergy appear when the skin is exposed to changes in the temperature of both hot and cold air. In addition, water and wind temperatures can also cause symptoms.

• Hot air allergies
  In hot air allergies, the skin reacts to heat or sweat as the body temperature rises. Apart from being caused by hot air, allergies can also arise after exercise, hot shower, wear tight clothes, and when sweating due to stress or nervousness. Hot allergy symptoms are:
  • The skin feels itchy and warm.
  • A small red bump appears with a reddish circle around the bump. Bumps can appear on the face, back, chest, and arms. The lump can appear in close proximity to make it look like a swelling The above symptoms may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, abdominal cramps, and irregular heartbeat in case of more severe reactions.
• Cold air allergies
  The symptoms of cold air allergy are not much different from hot air allergies are:
  • The skin is red, warm, and itchy on the skin area.
  • Parts of the body that are in direct contact with air or cold objects will swell. For example the hands swell after touching the ice and the lips swell after drinking cold water Extreme symptoms can lead to fainting, palpitations, and swelling of the limbs. Swelling is most dangerous when it occurs on the tongue and throat, as it can cause breathing difficulties. Symptoms usually appear within minutes of exposure and may last for 1-2 hours.
• Dirty air allergy (pollution)
  Exposure to dirty air (pollution) causes the body some people produce substances trigger allergic reactions, as a form of defense of the body to fight the substance. In dirty air allergies, body reactions are more common in respiratory organs than skin Smoke disposal of factories, motor vehicles, and forest burns are the main sources of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and pollution (PM) particles that are harmful to breathing. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases the risk of asthma and allergy attacks, especially for people who already have asthma. Research shows that risks are increasing if the residence is close from a busy highway The risk of dirty air allergy not only happens outside the home, but also inside the house by becoming a passive smoker. Cigarette smoke is the most dangerous source of pollution that can increase the risk of allergies and asthma. The impact of air pollution was much felt by infants and children. Symptoms include sneezing, aqueous nose, and frequent cold cough.

How to Overcome Air Allergies

Allergies are an immune response to a foreign body. In air allergies, certain air temperatures become the trigger factor because the body overreacts to changes in temperature. The best handling for allergies is to take precautions.

• Prevent cold air allergies
  
  • Protect skin from sudden temperature changes. For example before swimming try dip the first hand or foot into the pond, then wait for the skin reaction for a while.
  • Avoid cold foods and drinks to prevent swelling of the tongue and throat.
  • Consumption of antihistamines before exposure to cold, or any medications prescribed by a doctor.
• Prevent hot air allergies
  
  • If symptoms appear after a move or exercise, wet your skin with a water-soaked cloth or try a cool shower.
  • If stress is the trigger for allergies, manage stress and find ways to calm down.
  • Wear loose clothing so it will not get too hot.
  • Since Indonesia is a tropical country where temperatures occur most of the year, install a fan or air conditioner to keep the room temperature cool.
• Preventing dirty (polluting) air allergies
  
  • Using a protective mask is one of the efforts to prevent dirty air allergies. There are two types of masks that can be used, namely N95 mask and ordinary mask (surgical mask).
  • Sometimes air pollution can not be avoided, as in the case of forest fires. In addition to airborne allergies, smog from forest fires can cause eye irritation and respiratory tract infections. In these circumstances, you are advised to move locations to areas where there is no disaster or cleaner air, until symptoms subside.

No drug can completely eliminate airborne allergies, but avoiding trigger factors, creating a clean environment, and taking anti-allergic drugs such as antihistamines, can prevent and treat symptoms. If symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities, consult a doctor immediately.