unexplained swelling

[Jster]

Hi, I am here to try and find an answer for my problem. I had it happen again 3 days ago. It started with a funny feeling on my tongue, and an hour later, the right side of my tongue was extremely swollen. It got progressively worse over the next two hours, to the point where my whole tongue was swollen, and it moved into my gums, and neck. I could not eat, swallow, or talk. I was in extreme pain. This has happened before, but never to this extent. I took a lot of benedryl, and it was over ten hours until things were back to normal. Can stress do this?? Any time it happens I am stressed. I try to think of what I could of been exposed to, if it was an allergy, but there is never an answer. Anyone have any idea how I can prevent this? I have also had it happen in my feet, on the soles. Also very painful.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
It is good to hear from you so soon. An allergy is a disorder of the immune system that can have a rapid onset of 15-30 minutes from the time of exposure. It may also have a delayed onset which is 10-12 hours after.

Allergy is one of the four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of mast cells and basophils by an antibody known as IgE. This results to an an inflammatory response.
Hypersensitivity reactions can be divided into four types: type I, type II, type III and type IV, based on the mechanisms involved and time taken for the reaction. Type  IV or delayed type hypersensitivity may be observed after  48-72 hours after exposure.
I hope this helps. Take care and best regards.  

[Jster]

Hi, thanks for the answer. I don't get a rash, but most of the swellings are itchy, and hot. I racked my brain after the tongue swelling trying to think of what would of caused it. I did nothing new. I have been tested in the past. Dust mites were the worst thing that raised up. I was working in a clean kitchen when it started. If you could give me a sense of timing, how long from contacting an allergen, and the swelling? I did not know how far back into the day I should go. I have been very stressed, tho.
Thanks again

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Is there any associated skin symptom such as rash or hives? This could indeed be due to an allergic reaction since there was improvement with intake of benadryl or an antihistamine. I recommend that you have an allergy testing done to determine the possible trigger or allergen. Prevention usually is avoidance of the trigger and stress which could also exacerbate your symptoms. Take care and do keep us posted.