How Long Food Allergy Hives Last

Symptoms Of Food Intolerance

Symptoms of food intolerance can include:;

• nervousness
• burning sensations on the skin
• tightness across the face and chest
• breathing problems asthma-like symptoms;

• persistent dizziness or collapse
• becoming pale and floppy .

Several factors can influence the severity of anaphylaxis, including exercise, heat, alcohol, the amount of food eaten, and how food is prepared and consumed.To prevent severe injury or death, a person with anaphylaxis requires an injection of adrenaline .;People who are considered by their doctor to be at risk of anaphylaxis are prescribed an autoinjector which contains a single fixed dose of adrenaline. They are designed to be used by non-medical people and should be administered into the outer mid-thigh muscle in the event of a severe allergic reaction.;Adrenaline autoinjectors are also available directly from a pharmacy.;

What Are The Different Types Of Hives

Acute episodes;of urticaria last for six weeks or less. Acute urticaria can be due to infections foods, medications, insect stings, blood transfusions and infections. The most common cause of hives is infections. Foods such as eggs, nuts and shellfish are common causes of urticaria. Medications such as aspirin and antibiotics also are common causes of hives. Infections causing hives include the common cold, and other viral infections. In most of these cases, when the reason for hives is removed or avoided, the hives resolve.

Chronic episodes;of urticaria last more than six weeks. In most cases, the cause of chronic hives will not be identified despite testing. ;Half of the patients have antibodies that attack the mast cell . This triggers chemicals such as histamine to be released which causes the hives and itching. Even though hives are associated with other autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease, treating the other condition doesnt cure the hives. Rarely, chronic urticaria has been associated with cancer. In most cases of chronic urticaria, the hives will gradually disappear over time.

Food Allergy And Urticaria

What are Hives?

Hives are raised, red, itchy areas on the skin that can result from an allergic reaction. Food allergy is a common cause of hives. Other signs or symptoms seen from food allergy include nasal symptoms, worsening eczema symptoms, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, throat swelling and difficulty breathing.

What are some common foods that can cause hives?

The most common foods that can cause hives if you are allergic include milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanut, and tree nuts.

Can other ingredients in food cause hives?

There are certain foods that can cause flushing, itching, and hives even though one may not be truly allergic to the food itself. Some examples of these foods include sauerkraut, pineapple, yeast, red wine, mature cheeses, pickled herring and contaminated tuna. Furthermore, there are foods that can cause the direct release of histamine which include strawberries, tomatoes, and alcohol. There are also additives that initiate the release of histamine that are present in fizzy drinks , chewing gum , and in baked products .

Certain fish contain naturally high levels of histidine. If not properly refrigerated, histadine can be converted into a chemical called histamine that can cause hives and even throat swelling or difficulty breathing.

How do I treat this?

Will my hives come back?

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How Is It Treated

The treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on how serious your hives are. He or she may suggest that you do one or more of the following to relieve the itching and reduce the swelling:

• Soak in a lukewarm bath or use cool compresses.
• Avoid heat or rubbing, which releases more histamines.
• Take antihistamine medicine as directed by the label or your provider to reduce your allergic response.

If the rash is severe or not responding to the above treatments, your provider may prescribe an oral steroid medicine to take for a few days.

Hives rarely cause emergencies. But sometimes they can cause throat swelling and trouble breathing. If your throat is swelling or you are having trouble breathing or are wheezing, call 911. Once you are getting medical care, you will be given a shot of epinephrine to stop the reaction. When the emergency symptoms have been treated, you will probably be given steroid medicine–for example, prednisone–to take for the next several days to prevent the reaction from happening again.

Once the hives have gone and you are feeling better, you should see your healthcare provider to talk about whether you need tests to determine what caused the hives. If you are able to determine the cause, the best prevention is avoiding the cause, if that’s possible. Whether you are able to learn the cause or not, if hives are a frequent problem, you may need to take antihistamines every day to prevent the hives.

What Is The Difference Between Food Allergy And Food Intolerance

Food allergy is sometimes confused with food intolerance. Food allergies involve your immune system and can be life-threatening. An intolerance is when your body has trouble digesting a food. It can make you feel bad, usually with an upset stomach, but it is not life-threatening. The most common intolerance is to lactosewhich is a natural sugar found in milk.

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Do You Need To Follow

Let the person’s primary healthcare professional know about the reaction later if he or she was not involved in their treatment.

An allergy specialist can determine the difference between true food allergy and food intolerance.

• The allergist will ask about the sequence of events that led to the reaction and record a thorough dietary and medical history.
• He or she may use special tests to find out which food is responsible for the allergic reaction.

The first step in evaluation for food allergies is testing.

• Skin test: Dilute extracts of various foods are placed on the skin. The allergist looks for the formation of a bump on the skin after 10 to 20 minutes. Swelling at the site of the test can mean that the person is allergic to that particular food.
• Blood test: This may be used to check for antibodies against specific food allergens. These results are confirmed with the oral challenge test in which small doses of the suspected food are given in a mixture of different foods to look for a reaction. If symptoms develop, then the person is proven to have allergies to the particular food.
• Elimination diet: With this test, the person stops eating foods that may be triggers. Gradually these foods are reintroduced back into the diet. The allergist will then be able to pinpoint the allergy-causing food if a reaction occurs.

Severe Food Allergy In Children

Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are common, although deaths from anaphylaxis are rare. Most schools and childcare services across Australia are required to have an anaphylaxis management policy in place.Banning particular foods is not recommended as it can create a sense of complacency and is difficult to monitor and enforce. A better approach is to educate staff, students and the community about the risks associated with anaphylaxis and put strategies in place to minimise exposure to known allergens.;

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What Is The Prognosis For People With Hives And Swelling

For most people, hives dont cause serious problems. Children often outgrow allergies that cause hives.

For some people, angioedema can cause anaphylaxis severe swelling of the airways and lungs. People with this life-threatening condition should carry injectable epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions.

Cross Reactions With Other Foods

Children with allergies listed below can react to other foods:

• Cow’s milk allergy: 90% also react with goat’s milk and 40% with soy milk
• Egg: 5% react with chicken
• Peanut: 5% react with other legumes . About 30% also react to tree nuts.
• Tree nut: 40% react with other tree nuts
• Fish: 50% react with other fish. Only 10% also react to shellfish.
• Shellfish: 70% react with other shellfish
• Melon: 90% react with banana and avocado

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Fexofenadine Loratadine And Cetirizine

These antihistamines typically come in 12- or 24-hour formulas to provide extended relief. Theyre also less likely to cause drowsiness than diphenhydramine.

You may need to adjust the dosage to effectively treat hives, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on how much to take and how often.

If youre experiencing severe or chronic hives, prescription medication may be necessary. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how you can best find relief.

Common prescription options include:

Types Of Skin Allergies

They come in different forms. Here are the most common kinds:

Contact dermatitis. If youâve ever gotten a rash after wearing a new ring or using a different soap, youâve probably had this condition.

Your skin touches an allergen, like nickel or a chemical in a soap, lotion, or sunscreen.

Particles in the air, such as pollen, can also trigger dermatitis when they land on the skin. Your doctor may call this âairborne contact dermatitis.â

In some cases, youâll have a reaction only after youâve been in the sun. This is sometimes called âphotoallergic contact dermatitis.â Itâs brought on by some chemicals, such as those in sunscreens, shaving lotion, and perfumes.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. They include:

• Redness
• Scaly patches
• Rashes

You usually donât get a reaction right away. It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days.

Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks.

Learn more about contact dermatitis causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Hives. These are raised, itchy red welts or bumps. Contact dermatitis can trigger them, but allergic reactions to insect bites, medications, and foods can also bring on a reaction. Hives tend to appear right away, and they fade within a few hours or days.

Read more on what you need to know about hives.

• Animal dander

Read more on the symptoms of latex allergies.

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What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor

If you develop hives or swelling , ask your healthcare provider:

• Why did I get hives and swelling?
• When should the hives and/or swelling go away?
• Should I get an allergy test?
• What steps can I take to prevent getting hives or swelling in the future?
• Whats the best treatment to reduce itching?
• Whats the best way to get rid of hives?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

Hives and swelling are your bodys way of responding to a substance that it doesnt like. These reactions are a bit uncomfortable, but are not always serious. You may develop hives alone, hives with swelling, or just swelling. Most of the time, these reactions go away in a day or two. If you are prone to hives or swelling, talk to your healthcare provider about getting an allergy test. Once you know what triggers your allergies, you can take steps to avoid your triggers.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/22/2020.

References

What Is The Medical Treatment For Allergic Reactions To Food

After getting advice from the health care professional, some mild allergic reactions may be treated at home. Any worsening of symptoms requires medical attention.

• In a severe reaction, the first priority is to protect the airway and blood pressure.
• The health care professional will make sure that the airway is open and that the person is getting enough oxygen.
• Oxygen may be given through a tube into the nose or by face mask.
• In severe respiratory distress, mechanical ventilation may be required. A tube is placed in the mouth to keep the airway open.
• In rare cases, a simple surgery is performed to open an airway.
• Blood pressure will be checked frequently.
• An IV line may be started.
• This is used to give saline solution to help boost blood pressure.
• It also may be used to give medication.

The person may need to be admitted to the hospital for further monitoring and treatment.

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What Are The Complications Of Hives And Swelling

Anyone who has a severe allergic reaction could have life-threatening swelling of the airways your throat and lungs. This condition is known as anaphylaxis. It can potentially close off the airways, resulting in death.

Anaphylaxis is often triggered by a severe allergic reaction to a certain food, like peanuts and tree nuts, or a bee sting. People having anaphylaxis need an immediate shot of epinephrine, such as injectable epinephrine . Epinephrine opens airways, raises blood pressure and reduces hives and swelling. If epinephrine is used outside of the medical setting, a trip to the ER is warranted, since symptoms can return if epinephrine wears off.

What Is An Allergic Reaction

Allergic or hypersensitive reaction is excessive sensitivity exhibited by your immune system to a conventionally harmless substance such as pollen, dust and certain foods. These substances are not dangerous in the majority of the people, but when they trigger allergic reactions, they are called allergens. Allergic reactions occur when the allergens contact the skin, are inhaled, swallowed or injected.;

Allergic reactions are quite common and may happen seconds to hours after contact with the allergen. Though many allergic reactions are mild, others may be dangerous or life-threatening. They may be localized, involving a small part of the body or may affect a large area orthe whole body.

One example of such a reaction is the rash associated with certain metal jewellery or footwear, or the application of certain cosmetics. Such rash is called contact dermatitis.;;

Sometimes people with allergies sneeze uncontrollably on exposure to dust or pollen. This is called allergic rhinitis;

An allergic reaction begins with touching, inhaling or swallowing an allergen. In response to this trigger, the body starts making a type of protein called IgE or immunoglobulin E. IgE leads to the release of some chemicals in the body. These chemicals cause the inflammatory symptoms of allergic reactions such as rash, itching and sneezing.;

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How Long Do Hives Last

The duration of hives depends on the types of hives.

Acute A single episode can linger for up to six weeks, in which case its considered acute. However, most people have symptom resolution in eight to 24 hours.

Chronic When symptoms persist for more than six weeks, urticaria is chronic. The most common cause of longstanding rashes is immune malfunction.

Anaphylaxis This sudden, serious allergic reaction is life-threatening if not treated promptly. In addition to hives, symptoms include:

• hammering heartbeat
• swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
• difficulty breathing
• feeling lightheaded

Symptoms arise within minutes of allergic contact, requiring emergent medical care. Hospital treatment includes an injection of epinephrine, a synthetic form of the hormone adrenaline. Fortunately, epinephrine quickly resolves the allergic shock.

If anaphylaxis is caused by a food allergy, a second episode can occur one to four hours later. This is why patients may be asked to remain in the hospital for six hours of observance. Once you have an incident, its wise to always carry three doses of epinephrine.

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Chronic Urticaria Is Defined When Hives Occur Most Days For More Than Six Weeks

Symptoms of chronic urticaria usually resolve, although this can take months or several years. Most people with chronic urticaria manage with appropriate doses of non-drowsy antihistamines. People with severe symptoms interfering with quality of life may be referred to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist or dermatologist for assessment and consideration of additional medications.

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Reaction Signs And Symptoms

Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction so that you can give life-saving treatment early.

• Do not ignore early symptoms.
• Always take a possible reaction seriously and act quickly.
• Not every reaction will always look the same; a person can have different symptoms each time.
• Anaphylaxis can occur without skin symptoms or hives.
• A child may describe their symptoms differently than an adult: for example my throat is tingly or my tongue feels scratchy.

An allergic reaction usually happens within minutes after being exposed to an allergen, but sometimes it can take place several hours after exposure.

Symptoms and severity of a reaction can differ each time. Keep in mind that an allergic reaction can start with mild symptoms that can get worse quickly.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis generally include two or more of the following body systems:

• Skin: hives, swelling , itching, warmth, redness
• Respiratory : coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, throat tightness, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms , trouble swallowing
• Gastrointestinal : nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
• Cardiovascular : paler than normal skin colour/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizziness or lightheadedness, shock
• Other: anxiety, sense of doom , headache, uterine cramps, metallic taste

*Simons FER, Sampson HA. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2015.

Make sure to talk to your doctor about how to recognize anaphylaxis.

What Tests Diagnose Food Allergies

Generally a food allergy is identified by signs and symptoms. Medical professionals are trained to recognize hives, swelling patterns, rashes, and other symptoms associated with allergic reactions.

The person will be asked questions about their medical history and possible triggers of the reaction.

Blood tests and other tests are needed only under very unusual circumstances, such as anaphylaxis.

Some people can pinpoint which food caused the allergic reaction, especially if the reaction occurs within minutes of consuming a particular food. Many others will need to see an allergist for special testing to determine the exact food that is responsible.

For information about allergy shots, see Food Allergy Prevention.

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How Can I Prevent Hives And Swelling

Allergy tests can help your healthcare provider figure out which substances bring on hives and swelling. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them. You may want to:

• Cut certain foods or liquids out of your diet.
• Reduce exposure to airborne allergens.
• Switch to detergents and soaps without scents or dyes.
• Avoid extreme changes in temperature.
• Relax and take a break when youre stressed or overworked.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.