Uticaria & Angioedema
During an allergic reaction, your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, which in turn causes swelling and itching.
There are two common skin reactions, Uticaria (Hives) and Angioedema. Hives are small raised, red and itchy welts that rise up rapidly, usually soon after exposure to the allergen. Angioedema, on the other hand, are welts under the skin and occur most often around your lips and eyes. However, swelling can also occur in your hands, feet, genital area, and throat.
Hives and angioedema are quite common, with as many as 25% of the people in the United States experiencing one or both of these conditions in their life, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. It is possible to have hives and angioedema at the same time.
Most often, these conditions are harmless and will subside, sometimes without treatment. However, angioedema can become serious if your throat begins to swell and it becomes difficult to breathe.
There is also a rare condition known as hereditary angioedema that is characterized by rapid, severe swelling. It is an inherited condition and is not addressed in this section.
Defining Hives & Angioedema
There are common allergens that trigger hives and angioedema, including:
- Foods - shellfish, peanut butter, nuts, eggs, milk
- Medications
- PollenMold Spores
- Animal Dander
- Insect Bites
- Emotional Stress
- Physical Agents
- Extreme heat or cold
- Pressure
- Water
- Latex
Your body may also produce the histamines and other chemicals that cause these type of reactions as a response to your body's production of antibodies, blood transfusion, immune disorders, thyroid disorder and some infections. Sometimes, the cause is never determined, and the symptoms disappear, and there are no additional problems.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of hives is red, itchy bumps that can join together and become large welts that may appear suddenly and disappear or even change shapes within minutes or hours. The condition may resolve itself within a matter of days, or in the case of chronic hives, it could last months or years.
Angioedema also occurs suddenly, with large welts or swelling under the skin around the eyes, lips, hands, fee, genitals, and throat. The welts are painful and may also be itchy. Abdominal cramping, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lining of the eyes may also occur.
Treatment
If you are experiencing swelling of the tongue or face, wheezing, fainting or are having difficulty breathing you should seek medical attention immediately.
Hives and angioedema can often be treated at home using over-the-counter antihistamines. You may be able to reduce itching and swelling by avoiding hot baths, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and applying calamine lotion to the affect area. A cool compress may help with the pain and swelling.
If your condition does not improve, a physician will diagnose hives by physical examination and history, including past allergic reactions and exposure to known allergens. Your physician may perform skin or blood tests to confirm you are having an allergic reaction and to determine the substance you are reacting to.
Unfortunately, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology says if you've had one bout with hives or angioedema, there's a 40% chance of recurrence.