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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swollen Lips?

Two weeks in a row I wake up and my lips are swollen. Last week they were swollen to about three times there normal size this time it is less but they burn. The only thing I had that was the same is Red Wine. Could after all these years I be develping a red wine allergy? I have no other allergies to food or pollen.
Thu, 14 Aug 2014
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Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello.

Thank you for asking at HCM.

I went through your history and would like to make suggestions to you as follows:

1. Red wine usually causes direct histamine release rather than "allergy". It is this histamine which is released from consumption from red wine that causes symptoms like swollen lips (angioedema), headaches, hives, etc.

The best measure is reduce wine intake. Antihistamines may cure the symptoms but they are usually not advised as they can cause even more sedation and drowsiness along with red wine/alcohol. Please consult your doctor before using an antihistamine.

Personally I would suggest you to take a good nutritional multivitamin-multimineral supplement containing especially vitamin B6, C and other minerals, for 2-3 months, which aid in metabolism of histamine.

Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.

Wish you the best of the health.

Thank you & Regards.
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What Causes Swollen Lips?

Hello. Thank you for asking at HCM. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions to you as follows: 1. Red wine usually causes direct histamine release rather than allergy . It is this histamine which is released from consumption from red wine that causes symptoms like swollen lips (angioedema), headaches, hives, etc. The best measure is reduce wine intake. Antihistamines may cure the symptoms but they are usually not advised as they can cause even more sedation and drowsiness along with red wine/alcohol. Please consult your doctor before using an antihistamine. Personally I would suggest you to take a good nutritional multivitamin-multimineral supplement containing especially vitamin B6, C and other minerals, for 2-3 months, which aid in metabolism of histamine. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Wish you the best of the health. Thank you & Regards.