Swellings

[Kimmyx]

Random swellings which can come up all over my body at different times. They go as quick as they come. Im a 48 year old male with no other health issues apart from a high blood pressure. I am on no medication. Have been suffering with these swellings for a year now. Any advice ?

[Nebraskan]

I am 58 and have idiopathic angioedema.  It started 3 years ago in the middle of a summer afternoon with my lips swelling.  I thought it was something I ate but soon found out that it wasn't.  I started having random attacks.  They could start anytime of the day or night and it wasn't related to anything I ate.  Sometimes I wouldn't eat anything & the swelling would start.  Often it would start in the middle of the night.  My lips, cheeks, neck, feet, finger tips would swell so bad I didn't want to be around people because it looked so bad.  Often the swelling would start with one side of my cheek and travel to my upper lip, the other cheek and to my lower lip.  It was so frustrating because I couldn't plan anything and often missed work.  I went to an allergist that subscribed Allegra, Zrytec and Zantec.  This helped somewhat but I was still having attacks.  I kept a calendar of my swellings and their severity.  My January 2013 calendar was filled with swellings.  Finally I changed allergists.  She had me go off everything for 5 days.  I was an itchy, swollen mess when I went into her office.  She did a couple blood tests to make sure it wasn't hereditary.  Luckily it wasn't.  I went back on Allegra (180 mg) 1 in the morning & 1 at night, plus Zantec (300 mg) 1 at night and Singular (10 mg) 1 in the morning.  The Singular with the Allegra and Zantec has changed my life.  Since January 30, 2013 (the day I started with the new medication) I have had only 1 minor swelling.  The combination of meds WITH the Singular is the difference.  That's ALL of Feb, March, April, May (except the 1 minor swelling) with no attacks.  I believe the 1 incident was because of stress.  I was working 12 hour days that week to meet a deadline.  I can finally make plans for the weekend!  I had 3 long, very frustrating years with idiopathic angioedema.  I'm hoping the success continues.  I am sharing this because I hope that it will help you too.  It is worth a try.  I used to read all these posts and was desperate for an answer.  

Omaha, NE

[camajad]

The medical profession have no answers. I have suffered from idiopathic angioedema for 25 years, undertaken every allergy test and not found the cause. I have been taking 2 prescribed antihistimines Loratadine & Telfast every day which has helped to reduce the attacks to 2-3 per month. By sheer luck & perserverence I think I have found my solution, I started taking Sertraline 50 mg/day in November 2011 and have only had 1 attack in 10 months. The sertraline has reduced my stress and I guess the angioedema. Hope this helps any other desperate & frustrated sufferer.

[Rev_Insect]

I know for a fact that corn is not the cause of it for me.   I have made an interesting find though.    The last few times I've swelled up, has been right after I got sick.   I just had strep... As soon as I got rid of it, my feets swelled up like balloons.   Started at my heel and by the third day worked its way to my toes.   Always three days....always gradually moving....always after I get sick.     At times when I am not sick....I feel like I may be starting to swell, but I buy extra strength cortisone cream...apply a few times right away, and it goes away.   I think only when I am sick...when my immune system is shot...am I unable to fight off the swelling.    I've been taking vitamins and ecinacea ever since I made this discovery.  

[bafoonbug]

I have dealing with something that sounds (at least) similar to the symptoms you all are having.  Mine started with a trip to the beach in January.  Prior to going I started on an anti-biotic to treat a bladder infection.  I feel that might have been a trigger for all of this, but I'm not sure.  Just know that I will avoid sulfa antibiotics from here on out.  My second day at the beach I got back to the hotel after a short walk and took my tennis shoes off and both feet swelled up with 2 large, hard, painful spots (one spot on each foot) right above the heel. I could not walk at all!  I took Benedryl because I felt it was an allergic reaction of some sort (it was itchy as well).  The hotel dr. gave me a shot of something and prescribed anti-inflammatory (this was in Mexico...so I don't know exactly what type of meds).  So I recovered and after resting for one day I could walk again.  After returning home (I live in Mexico), I broke out in hives and felt like my throat was starting to swell. I went to the hospital and they gave me a shot and then ended up keeping me overnight until the hives went away.  I was on prednisone pills for a couple of weeks as well as antihistamines.  The feeling in my throat continued but I realized that it wasn't going to close up and that eased my fears.  But I do have trouble getting deep breathes at times...especially after eating.  I fasted for about a month and only drank juices and the symptoms subsided.  I started eating again and it seemed things were better and then I was near the ocean again (this time in Oregon) and my feet reacted again.  Since then the symptoms have returned.  I have a constant red rash on my neck, swollen feeling in my throat and my feet will swell up randomly.  I would really like to figure out how to treat this.  Benedryl makes me so tired and I hate taking it.  I am trying a different (once a day) antihistamine, but it hasn't seemed to help.  If anyone finds any solutions I would love to know!

[Mowgli03]

This sounds exactly to a T what is going on with me...it started happening about a year ago...my hand is swollen now and my lips get really bad as do my feet.  Have you heard of any further developments?

[cornfused]

One more thing, Just realized ibuprofen has corn starch, that explains the recent small swelling spots. If I could just eliminate all corn, it is in way too many things. Small amount of corn = small swelling. Has any one with random swelling been able to confirm CORN as the cause? I never used to have this problem. Doctors are NOT trained in nutrition. They can give you a pill, cut you open, or send your blood off for gobs of testing that says everything is normal. Only YOU can prove what foods you must avoid, and it takes up to 72 hours to prove each substance.

[cornfused]

Yes, avoiding corn has helped a great deal, but I must confess, I am finding out there are so many foods, vitamins with corn in them. Avoid all restaurants, you have no idea what has corn. The swelling has been very small isolated places, but still very present. I did have diarrhea (4 weeks) coming home from China 6 years ago, that's when this all started.I have been taking a pro biotic supplement for 3 months now, trying to replenish the good bacteria. So far has not helped the corn swelling. Since it takes 2 1/2 days for a reaction, it's a must to keep track of all food intake.

[JohnR63]

Have you had any success with solving your problem?

[JohnR63]

Have you had any luck figuring out the source of your swelling?

[JohnR63]

have you been able to control the swelling by avoiding corn?  

[JohnR63]

I posted my first comments the other day.  Have you nailed down your issue yet?

[JohnR63]

I just recently commented on this issue.  I am meeting with a doctor on Wednesday after a blood test I took while experiencing the swelling.  If you like I can give you update.  I have not experienced a breakout since giving up all alcohol and bread(yeast) products a week ago.

[JohnR63]

I am relieved I finally accessed this website and forum.  After reading these numerous comments and stories I realize I am not alone and losing my mind.  Friends and doctors are mystified and can't understand my issues and my obvious pain and discomfort.  I would like to share my background, history and my path to figuring out this annoying condition. I am healthy, 48 year old, non smoker male.  I have played sports my entire life and currently train for sprint triathlons throughout the year.  My random swelling issues starting happening in stressed body parts three years ago from once a month to the point where I will get selling from walking down the street or from the waist band on my boxers as I slept. My blood work came back fine and allergist discovered allergy to cat dander and dust mites (allergens that I knew I had before getting tested because of the sneezing and running nose and watery eyes I got my entire life from contact).  I had blood drawn during a recent swelling episode on Wednesday and will  discuss results with doctor on the upcoming Wednesday visit.   The first time I started experiencing the swelling was during the Spring/summer months during a period of extreme exercise and alcohol consumption.  My right wrist swelled after working on my golf swing for hours on the range, a week later my right foreman swelled after a day or two of intense tennis, the soles of my feet started swelling after logging runs on hot days, my buttocks and anus swelled from long rides on my bike.   I realized I had a real problem after the side of my mouth and left cheek  swelled after doing laps in the pool.  I attributed the swelling from dehydration and the resulting swelling to the body pooling water where the my body was stressed.  A doctor called it exercised  induced edema (no kidding!!!) and suggested taking Zrytec daily.  I drank water continiously and was worried that the alcohol (wine and beer) consumption was contributing to the issue.  Staying hydrated  seemed to help.  But unfortunately the attacks starting becoming more irregular and in more random spots.   Walking to the office in the city my feet would swell, sitting on the train caused my testicules to swell, sleeping on my side caused my hip to swell, my lip swelled from kissing (Enough already!!!!)  As of New Year I gave up all alcohol, but a week later I still had a mild case of swelling,  I am still avoiding alcohol but have given up all bread, wheat, yeast products, it's been two days (no episodes yet).  Next it will be the coffee.           Looking back,  I believe my first episodes of swelling starting occurring a few months after I had a nasty parasite from swimming in a fetid lake during a triathlon in Poughkeepsie.  I had severe case of diarrehea for three weeks and lost over ten pounds.  My doctor will be reviewing my blood work to see if my immune system has been weakened and it is causing the selling as my body battles allergens.  I have noticed after bouts of alcohol consumption within the next few days swelling occurred.  Perhaps the alcohol weakened my immune system further and allowed the  swelling to occur.  But, outside the swelling I have not had any any illnesses(flu or major colds) in years.   I apologize for the long comment of my history but the reading of other person's comments and issues have reassured me that I not alone in this suffering. This condition is starting  to really interfere with my life of enjoying the outdoors and training.  I WILL FIND OUT THE SOURCE OF MY PROBLEM AND PROMISE TO SHARE.                                                                                    

[Rev_Insect]

It's been 6 years now...   not all of that time has been filled with random swellings, but recently it's been happening more and more.   It's always random spots..  feet, hands, hips, arms, my poor balls, and on the face.   Just yesterday my eyelid started to swell up for the first time ever, and today i can barely see out of it.   My symptoms usually last about 2-3 days.   benadryl never helps..   seems like nothing does.  i just have to let it run it's course.   The swollen areas are usually red, warm to the touch, and itchy if i touch or ru them.   sometimes if i rub the area, it becomes so painful i just cant stand it.   On the bottoms of the feet are the worst, because i cant even walk on them due to the pain.    I've gone to the ER, had tons of blood work for food allergens, toxic metals(as i am a welder.   My mother seems to think it's a chemical sensitivity thing, due to the circumstances when it first started.  I'm wondering if any one else with these symptoms works or handles volatile chemicals?   paint/lacquer thinners?   anything like that?       I've been to too many doctors and all of them are stumped.       Now, a little insight from my mind...     i have animals running around the house..   I find that when i walk around barefoot, especially down the basement stairs near the cats litter box, my feet will swell up more frequently.   So im thinking maybe it has something to do with animal dander/dust/cat litter.      When my poor ball sack swelled up, i was scratching at it a little bit before hand(just as guys do, for no other reason), and then later, noticed a small swollen area.. gradually spreading.  So maybe still animal dander/dust combined with irritating the area?     I really have no idea..   Neither do Dr's.    I saw a post about corn being the reason, but ive always eaten corn.. everything has corn in it..   i'd be a balloon by now.    Saw another about hypothyroidism... and it seems like i have a few of the symptoms.    gonna check that out next.      At the very least, it's nice to know others are going through what i am.      Please feel free to share your stories and any ideas you may have of what is doing this to us!!!!!

[cornfused]

Wow 11 years, I have had this for 6 years and it seem to be getting worse.
Biggest problem is it takes 2 1/2 days for a symptom to appear and now after I eat just a little bit of something with corn in it. Used to be able to tolerate a small amount, but not now. IF I take an Allegra pill, between meals (no food 2 hours) with water (NO juice cause that disables Allegra) the swelling will subside in 2 - 4 hours. Taking it every day does NOT prevent the swelling. It used to take 30 mintes to subside, I guess I'm becoming immune to Allegra. Doctors don't have a clue cause they are not trained in nutrition. Blood tests (3 times) all good. Have you seen all the stuff with High fructose corn syrup in it? Even ketsup has it. Technically is' not a allergy, it's a food intolerance because it requires more than 12 hours for the symptom to appear.

[bj0247]

Hi guys I am 51 and hve been going through this for many years. I too am in great health, and have been on high blood meds before I and allergic to pennicilin but I am not on any meds. This has been happinig since about 2000 but more recently it has been coming every week keeping me from work. Right now I'm typing with one eye which started with little lumps in my head (which is new) HELP!!

[beef1964]

I too have been experiencing swelling for no apparent reason.  Sometimes it will start as a mild itch or tingle and then within a short time the swelling starts.Both bottoms of feet and one hand are swollen today.  I haven't eaten anything all day.  The allergist gave me a list of foods and molds that I am allergic to but I still have the swelling.  It is very embarrassing when it is on my face.  The swelling usually last for about 24 hours before the pain go away. Soaking in an epson salt bath relieves the pain temporarily but not the swelling.  I feel your pain. I had blood work done to see if my autoimmune system is ok. It is.  I just can't believe that allergies are the problem.  The swelling is so ramdon and in different locations.

[cornfused]

I finally figured out the cause of my random swelling, small places on a, foot, hand, lip, arm, throat, tongue.
All caused by CORN. Anything with corn, corn syrup, canola oil, corn breading (on fish or chicken) Problem is, it takes 24 to 72 hours from eating corn to swelling symptom, (usually 48-56 hours). Try reading the ingredients and eat a corn free diet, most everything has corn in it. It all started 6 years ago after a 2 week visit in China. Maybe China has nothing to do with it. I am 56 great health, no meds.

[katinker]

Oh my gosh, I am glad I accidentally found this site.  For the past 6-7 mos I have had slight swelling over my lip, nose and eyes from most foods.Some reactions are stronger then others.  In Feb when eating most foods, it felt like hives were developing on my feet but they did not look like hives. The past month, whenever I am on my feet, it feels like they are swelling, are heavy and sometimes it is hard to walk up stairs to bed, is better in the morning. The acupuncturist noticed swelling in my ankles and mentioned a kidney problem. It is not pain. I also have an elevated ANA titer, 1:1280, speckled and am anxiously awaiting my Rheumatology appt on August 9th. I have been to so many Dr's and not until today, when I saw an elderly former oncologist, who has been practicing internal medicine for the last 8 years, did anyone mention angioedema. Have been to 2 dermatologists in past 6 mos, no one mentioned angioedema.  I can only eat 9 foods without reacting, have lost about 20 pounds and am hungry all the time and so tired of the same dull foods. Has anyone experienced foot symptoms like this ? I took a pic to show the dermatologist the next time I go, sometimes feet get real red and shiny.  The allergist was no help, saw her 3 times, do have a few allergies, food and environmental. Claritin did nothing, could not tolerate the zyrtec or allegra, felt hung over have one of each. Thanks, welcome any feedback and if anyone is in the Seattle area, if they know of anyone who could help.

Kathleen

[LumpsOnHead]

I started about a year ago with what felt like a mosquito bite on my head.  It was an itchy bump.  Before I knew it I had lumps all over my head that eventually turned into swelling on my forehead, eyes, lips and ears.  Eventually it worked its way down my body and turned into hives.  The doctors say its an allergy but can't figure out what to.  Prednisone finally took the swelling away.  But recently it started again, but much milder than before and mainly swollen bumps on the forehead.  I thought it could be related to otc migrain medicine, but i haven't taken any in over a year because so scared of allergic reactions.  resorting to baby asprin to deal with migrains.  Any help???

[meriko]

My acquaintance also have the same problem and it's first time i am hearing about such kind of disease. How it is called? So far I could not see any advice from this site. Does s.o. knows what can cure this?
thx,
Meri

[ciarapica]

I have the same problems.  It started a year ago.  Ive been to several doctors and several medications.  The next they want to try is prednisone ?sp     Im extremely frustrated.

[SW4001]

I, too, have had the same problems and had a slew of tests from an allergist and found out that I am allergic to cedar trees and some grasses, but since he ran a full blood test and TH panel, he discovered I had Hashimoto's disease and believes the swellings are connected to it.

I had my first appointment with an endocrinologist and have recently started a treatment using Synthroid.

I recommend getting a full panel blood test to see if that can narrow it down for you. I'm still trying to find out why I keep having these random swellings and will continue to see doctors until I can find out. It's very annoying and sometimes the swellings can be embarrassing as I get them a lot on my face.

Good luck. Let me know if you find out anything and I will let you know if I do.

[milkchocolatechik]

Im having the same problem, it started 2 years ago when I went to my dad's house in colorado.  I havent been eating any different foods or anything but randomly things on my body will swell up, usually it's my lips.  but if I rub my eye just a tad bit, it would swell up till the point when I cant even open it anymore.  I would also get swellings on my shoulders, my hip, hands, arms, legs and especially on the bottom of my feet, I really dont kno wat it could be but everytime I visit a doctor they cant figure out wat it is they just say it could be allergies and I would really like to kno so this could end or if i can control it some kind of way. Mainly im just relieved to find other people out there like this because I felt alone really. Help me if u find a way to deal with it or find out what it may be.