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Hives |
Hives also known as "urticaria", this is a skin disorder that can have a variety of causes, including drug allergies, insect bites, food sensitivities, 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 ring-like 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 tissues 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. |
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