Hives

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Hives is also called as urticaria, this is a skin disorder that can have a variety of causes, including drugs allergies, insect bites, fod sensitivites, and contact with irritating or allergenic substances. Itching is normally the first symptom, and it can be intense. This is soon followed by the appearance of patches of red, raised wheals that can grow, disappear, and reappear elsewhere, sometimes clearing in the center to form large ringlike areas.

Hives usually last only a few days to weeks, then clear up on their own. A complete medical history and physical examination are often more valuable than laboratory tests for identifying the cause. Some people develop chronic hives, however, the cause of which can be extremely frustrating to track down.

Angioedema is a problem involving a reaction similar to that of hives, but affecting deeper tissuses than just the skin, causing more diffuse swelling of the affected area. If angioedema affects the throat, a disorder known as laryngeal angioedema, the swelling can interfere with a person's ability to breathe. This constitutes a medical emergency. Gasping for breath and sudden, acute wheezing can be signs that laryngeal angioedema may be developing.

Emergency Treatment

If you suspect you may be developing laryngeal angioedema, have someone take you to the emergency room of the nearest hospital or call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Emergency personnel will administer epinephrine, in both injectable and aerosolized forms, along with intravenous antihistamines. Depending on the severity of the problem and the response to treatment, other treatment may be required, including the administration of oxygen, placement of a breathing tube down the airway, or even a tracheostomy, in which an opening is cut in the front part of the insertion of a breathing tube directly below the problem area.

General Recommendations

Prevention

It may not be possible to prevent hives from developing. It goes without saying, however, that you should avoid contact with anything that has provoked such a reaction in the past. You can also look at hives treatment on tihs site.

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