Hives

I have asthma & COPD.  It is not normally debilitating, but every couple of months, I develop wheezing and congestion, so I go to my pulmonologist and  get a steroid shot and a course of antibiotics.  For several years, that took care of it and in between, I was just fine. However, for the last year, I have had hives and swelling different places, sometimes, but not always together. For instance, the first time, I had swelling in my lips and cheek and a large raised red patch on my groin.  The sweeling went away afer 2 days, but the hives traveled all the way across my body (did not expand, but travelled) and lasted 5 days. It only itched on the leading edge. Another time, I had swelling and localized hotness in my scrotum and a hives patrch on my side. They both persisted for 4 days. The hives patch travelled from near my belt to my armpit before it "petered out". Now I have slight swelling under my right eye, and a patch on the inside of my left buttock. It has travelled about 3 inches in the days. The first outbreak was accompanied by extreme dizziness and nausea. None of that has occrurred since. That time I went to the energency room and was told I obvuiously have some kind of allergy.  I have attempted to journal my food and drink intake, but I have found no consistencies. I take Zocor & Lisinopril, but have for 10+ years with no side effects. Anyone ever heard of this?  Could it be something much more serious?  I also get the feeling that I am more tired than usual, though that may be my imagination, because the itching does not ever keep me awake. There has never been any fever, muscle aches or anything like that.  The only thing else I can add is that for roughly this same period, I have only slept an average of 5 hiours per night. ????

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, you have history of asthma which is allergic type. Your symptoms are suggestive of urticaria, secondary to exposure to allergen and mediated by IgE antibodies. Your history also suggests that within last year you are exposed to certain new environment like change in place, new clothing, new food, emotional stress etc. which can trigger such events. You need to identify such factors.

Stinging insects, Aeroallergens (uncommon), Foods and additives like Milk, egg, peanuts, nuts, soy, and wheat are the most common agents to cause generalized urticaria. This triggering factor should be identified and should be avoided.

A skin allergy test can be useful. Treatment includes anti histaminic and corticosteroids against prescription. I suggest you to consult an allergy specialist. Take care and regards.