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What Causes Hives?
I broke out with hives 3 days ago. They have spread from head to toe. Yesterday afternoon I lost my voice. When I got up this morning it was pretty much back, but now, this afternoon is gone again. I am also feeling some unusual pressure in my chest. Not pain, just like a heaviness. What might be the cause?
posted on
Thu, 14 Jul 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 24 Sep 2019
Answered on
Sat, 28 Sep 2019
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Hives are from histamine release. This is the type of allergy that can be fatal if it cuts off air from laryngeal edema or severe asthma. A change in voice is due to the laryngeal edema that can be fatal.
Heaviness in the chest can be from many causes and airway irritation from histamine is one of them. Two issues, treating the hives is pretty much guaranteed if someone gets to a doctor in time. Hot coffee, epinephrine, Benadryl all work immediately and steroids work better but have a 12 hr lag.
BUT the other issue is why the hives. Obviously it is an allergic reaction. Often medications can do it but foods, dyes, laundering agents can be triggers. Sometimes viral illness and rarely autoimmune disease.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
Hives are from histamine release. This is the type of allergy that can be fatal if it cuts off air from laryngeal edema or severe asthma. A change in voice is due to the laryngeal edema that can be fatal.
Heaviness in the chest can be from many causes and airway irritation from histamine is one of them. Two issues, treating the hives is pretty much guaranteed if someone gets to a doctor in time. Hot coffee, epinephrine, Benadryl all work immediately and steroids work better but have a 12 hr lag.
BUT the other issue is why the hives. Obviously it is an allergic reaction. Often medications can do it but foods, dyes, laundering agents can be triggers. Sometimes viral illness and rarely autoimmune disease.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist
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