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June 20, 2013
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Hives and Angioedema (cont.)

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Hives and Angioedema Diagnosis

Your health-care provider will examine you and ask questions about how the hives or angioedema started. Tell him or her about the following:

  • Any medicines (prescription and nonprescription) you have been taking even if you stopped them in the past few days


  • Any dietary supplement or herbs you take, even if only sometimes, and the last time you took them


  • Any new or unusual foods, soaps, detergents, hair dyes, or cosmetics


  • Any allergies that you know about


  • Any recent illnesses you have had such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea


  • Any chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, or kidney disease


  • If there is the possibility you are pregnant

If your health-care provider cannot tell what triggered your hives or angioedema, he or she may recommend that you see an allergy specialist (allergist). Even using special skin tests, however, it is often not possible to identify the trigger.

Must Read Articles Related to Hives and Angioedema

Allergic Reaction
Allergic Reaction An allergic reaction is an overreaction to a harmless substance. Symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction include hives, rashes, swelling, itching, wheezing, ...learn more >>
Eczema
Eczema Eczema is a term frequently used to describe any sort of dermatitis. Causes of eczema is generally accepted to be genetically inherited. Common triggers of atop...learn more >>
Rash
Rash A rash is a visible skin outbreak. Examples of noninfectious rashes include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and al...learn more >>

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Angioedema »

Angioedema is a subcutaneous extension of urticaria, resulting in deep swelling within subcutaneous sites.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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