Hives Causes And Symptoms
Hives or urticaria is quite a common condition that most of us would be familiar with, either through our own experience or through someone we may be acquainted with. Hives are reddish welts or bumps on the skin that may at times be itchy. Hives generally occur as an allergic reaction to the presence of food or drug allergens, but there may also be other causes. People who have allergies normally are most likely to be affected by this condition, as allergic reactions cause the release of certain chemicals in the body which result in the skin swelling. In certain cases infections can also cause hives and research has even established a connection between stress and hives.
Like most other common and mild conditions hives is not a serious health threat in most cases and it will usually go away naturally. This however is not always the case, and when serious, medications or even shots may be necessary. In rare circumstances the allergic reaction may even be life threatening as it causes a dangerous swelling in the air passages, obstructing respiration.
The Causes of Hives could include any of the following:
Allergic reactions being the most common trigger for acute hives, it is important that you are familiar with the possible allergens.
• Foods; A number of food items can be problematic particularly for those with sensitive systems. Food additives like salicylates & sulfites are also often responsible. Milk, chocolate, shellfish, fish, eggs and nuts are some of the more common food allergens.
• Medications and drugs are another major trigger for hives, with asprin, ibuprofen and penicillin being among the common triggers.
• Environmental allergens like animal dander, pollen, latex or insect bites may also trigger outbreaks.
• Environmental factors such as exposure to heat, sunlight, moisture or pressur may also trigger hives outbreaks in some individuals.
• Emotional stress and strenuous physical activity can also set off an outbreak.
Sometimes hives may be caused under less common and more serious circumstances such as a change in the production of antibodies due to a blood transfusion, immune disorders like lupus and cancer or even due to hypo or hyperthyroidism.
The Signs and Symptoms of Hives may include any of the following:
• Reddish or white itchy swellings or welts on the skin
• Welts that appear and disappear on their own to be replaced by new ones.
• Burning, stinging, or pain around the affected area.
• Apart from the visible changes and symptoms there may also be difficulty swallowing and breathing.
• Increased anxiety and an irregular or rapid heartbeat are also symptomatic.
Light headedness, throat pain or problems swallowing and breathing, are indications of a more severe and serious outbreak, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
