Hives appear as raised, itchy welts on the skin. Foods, medications, infections, and other triggers may cause outbreaks, and antihistamines are commonly used to manage symptoms. When hives occur with facial swelling or breathing difficulties, immediate medical attention is appropriate. Here is more information about approaches to alleviating hives symptoms:
Identifying Common Triggers
Hives develop when the body releases histamine in response to certain triggers. Foods, medications, infections, and irritants sometimes contribute, while triggers vary between individuals. Because histamine affects small blood vessels in the skin, raised and itchy welts may appear. Common food triggers are able to include:
- Eating chocolate
- Eating tree nuts
- Eating dairy products
- Eating eggs
- Eating wheat
- Eating soy
- Eating seafood
Medications can also trigger hives. Aspirin, certain pain relievers, blood pressure medications, and codeine is able to cause reactions in some people. When the cause remains unclear, a healthcare provider helps evaluate medications, infections, health conditions, and other possible triggers.
Diagnosing the Underlying Cause
Diagnosing hives often begins with a medical history. A healthcare provider helps review foods, medications, and recent exposures, while a symptom diary can identify patterns surrounding outbreaks. When a possible allergen is suspected, allergy testing may provide additional information about potential triggers.
Blood testing may also be part of an evaluation. These tests can provide information about underlying conditions, and results are reviewed alongside symptoms and medical history. Because hives have several possible causes, diagnostic testing varies according to each person’s symptoms and circumstances.
Treating Symptoms with Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to manage symptoms. These medications block histamine activity, and they may relieve itching and reduce the appearance of welts. When a specific trigger is identified, avoiding that substance may also become part of symptom management. Some cases develop without an identifiable cause. Some treatments begin with an appropriate antihistamine dose, while adjustments depend on symptoms and individual response. Because hives can change over time, a healthcare provider helps review symptoms and modify treatment when appropriate.
Managing Chronic Symptoms
Chronic hives can persist for extended periods. In some cases, testing does not identify a specific trigger, and symptoms are able to continue despite avoiding suspected substances. When the cause remains unclear, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and monitoring changes over time.
Antihistamines are commonly used for breakouts. Some patients continue experiencing symptoms, while additional treatment options will sometimes be discussed when antihistamines provide inadequate control. Xolair is a biologic medication that are able to be used for certain cases of chronic hives.
Ongoing follow-up provides opportunities to review symptoms. Healthcare providers can evaluate treatment responses, and adjustments are able to occur as the frequency or severity of outbreaks changes. Because chronic hives vary between individuals, treatment plans depend on symptoms, medical history, and responses to previous therapies.
Recognizing Emergency Warning Signs
Hives sometimes occur alone, but certain accompanying symptoms can indicate a severe allergic reaction. Warning signs include:
- Developing widespread hives
- Experiencing breathing difficulty
- Feeling chest tightness
- Noticing facial swelling
- Feeling dizzy
These symptoms may occur with anaphylaxis. Because anaphylaxis can become life-threatening, symptoms involving breathing difficulties or significant swelling require immediate emergency medical attention.
Schedule a Hives Evaluation
Hives can range from temporary skin irritation to symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. A healthcare provider can review your medical history and perform allergy testing, while treatment options depend on your symptoms. Because several factors can trigger hives, an allergy specialist can review individual patterns and discuss appropriate management options. Schedule a hives evaluation today to discuss your symptoms, possible triggers, and available treatments.
