I have been having allergic reactions for the past year. They symptoms include raised swelling spots /hives all over my body, facial swelling, especially the lips and eye areas, and terrible itching of skin and scalp. At one piont, I was diagnosed with asthma and put on a nebulizer for several months. The spots seem to move per occasion. I have been trying to scientifically figure out what is causing these conditions - keeping a food journal, seeking help of allergist, dermatologist and a GP. They provide me with antiinflammatories and anti histimine meds, but to no avail. About two months ago, I started reducing my medicaine intake and notices that the symptoms have subsided. The whole overbody hives experience had lessened. Last night, I took 800 ml of Ibuprofen for pain. Within an hour, my face began to swell, hives popped out all over my body and I was itching like crazy. I took an antihistimine and that helped. My question is: After all the medical advice trying to figure out what I am allergic to, could it be Ibuprofen? If so, what can I take in it's place for back and hip pain from past surgeries?