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Hives
 Hives are part of an allergic reaction that occurs when a chemical called histamine is released by cells in the body called mast cells.
The release of histamine can be triggered in response to a variety of stimuli, including certain foods, medication or even heat or cold. Hives are raised, itchy wheal-and-flare reactions on the skin medically referred to as "urticaria." The lesions look and itch similar to mosquito bites. They can be very small, a few millimeters in size, or become quite large, several centimeters in size, especially with scratching. They often coalesce to involve an entire portion of an extremity or extend to the abdomen or trunk. The itching associated with hives is bothersome and can be intense. If severe, the hive outbreak can include symptoms such as fatigue, chills or joint aches.
Acute cases of hives that come on suddenly and are short-term are generally caused by ingesting a food or medication you are allergic to, or by contact with or exposure to an allergen in your environment. Basic food allergies are a common trigger of hives. Tree nuts including brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews and almonds or legumes such as peanuts are common causes of allergic reactions. Seafood, particularly shrimp, lobster, crawfish, and mollusks are also commonly reported. Eggs, milk, soy, cheese, wheat, strawberries and tomatoes are all known to cause hives in susceptible individuals. Allergic reactions to pets as well as medications are a commonly reported cause of hives. Penicillin, cephalosporins (semisynthetic penicillins), aspirins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opiates, and muscle relaxants may produce acute reactions in susceptible individuals. Treatment with allergy medication will depend on the cause and severity of symptoms. Of course, you should avoid contact with the particular substance associated with the development of the hives. Generally speaking, a mild case of a few hives can be controlled rather quickly by taking antihistamines. On the other hand, people can have a full-blown acute reaction where they are very sick with a massive breakout of hives on the skin, intense itching, and progressing symptoms including headache, dizziness, vomiting and flu-like symptoms. In some cases, an allergic reaction can develop almost within minutes and that can cause life-threatening symptoms such as breathing difficulties and swelling in the throat. In these cases, medical attention should be sought without delay. They should report to the nearest emergency room immediately. Patients with a history of recurrent serious outbreaks are prescribed an EpiPen, an adrenaline syringe that they keep with them at all times for immediate use when symptoms begin to develop.
Drew Voight
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