Hives and Angioedema
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Hives and Angioedema OverviewHives is an allergic skin reaction that comes on suddenly. The hives themselves are slightly raised, smooth, flat-topped bumps called wheals and welts that are usually slightly more reddish in color than the surrounding skin and cause severe itching. Hives look somewhat like mosquito bites. Angioedema is like hives, only the welts are larger and form at a deeper layer in the skin. Angioedema causes severe swelling, usually in the face, near the eyes and mouth. The swelling can also occur in the inside of the throat, which is a dangerous situation because it can close off the passage of air into the lungs. Hives and angioedema can occur together, but they usually do not. Hives is the most common rash for which people seek emergency medical care. One of every five people will have hives at some time in their lives. Angioedema is less common. Hives and angioedema can happen at any age. The medical term for hives is urticaria. This article does not refer to an uncommon and more serious condition, hereditary angioedema. Hereditary angioedema involves swelling over the entire body, including some internal organs. Viewer Comments & ReviewsHives - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with hives. Hives - CausesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What caused your hives? |
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Hives and Angioedema
Allergic Reaction Overview
An allergic reaction is the body's way of responding to an "invader." When the body senses a foreign substance, called an antigen, the immune system is triggered. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents such as bacteria and toxins. Its overreaction to a harmless substance (an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity reaction, or an allergic reaction.
- Anything can be an allergen. Dust, pollen, plants, medications, (such as ibuprofen, sulfa drugs like sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim [Bactrim], codeine, amoxicillin [Amoxil, Amoxil Pediatric Drops, Moxatag, Trimox]), foods (common food allergies include shrimp and other shellfish, peanuts), insect bites (such as from mosquitos or bees), animal dander, viruses, or bacteria are examples of allergens.
- Reactions may occur in one spot, such as a small localized skin rash, itchy eyes, face bumps, or all over, as in a whole body rash such as ...
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Angioedema »
Angioedema is a subcutaneous extension of urticaria, resulting in deep swelling within subcutaneous sites.
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