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Undiagnosed Symptoms Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to undiagnosed symptoms, breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
Swelling after going into cold water
by Jowa, Jul 24, 2008 03:25AM
My brother has had an odd reaction to going into cold water. His whole body immediately swells and it starts with his extremities. His feet and hands swell to the point of being painful. He described going swimming with his son into the lake and his legs immediately swelled. He got out of the lake and sat. He described difficulty with breathing and everything going white and he felt like he was going to pass out. It happens only in cold water and has happened in different types of water. (pool, lake, bath) It doesn't happen in warm or hot water though. If it was some type of allergy, I wouldn't think the temperature of the water would matter. So I'm worried it is a sign of something more serious. Has anyone heard of this or have any ideas of what could be causing it?
Post Comment
Cold urticaria is a chronic, reactive skin disorder. The population most affected is young adults age 18 to 25 years Severe reactions can be seen with exposure to cold water. Swimming in cold water is the most common cause of a severe reaction. This can cause a massive release of histamine resulting in low blood pressure, fainting, shock, and even death.
This allergic response can take several forms, from rashes to wheezing, hives, swelling and redness.
Cold urticaria is diagnosed by holding an ice cube against the skin of the forearm for 1 to 5 minutes. A distinct hive should develop if a patient has cold urticaria.
Patients with cold urticaria should learn to protect themselves from a rapid drop in body temperature.Antihistaminics like Claritin and zyrtec can also be taken. The antihistamine cyproheptadine (Periactin) has been found to be a useful treatment also.
Sometimes cold urticaria is a symptom of another problem, such as cryofibrinogenemia, cryoglobulinemia, or syphilis.So please contact a dermatologist/immunologist to get a more confirmatory diagnosis.
Regards and God bless.