Hives, known medically as urticaria, is experienced by about one in five of all populations. There is nothing much to worry about with a single episode of hives. Breathing difficulty that accompanies the hives, however, does not usually happen with most types of hives, either chronic or acute.
What Are The Different Types Of Hives?
In a broad sense, there is either acute and chronic hives, or urticaria. Acute urticaria is defined as lasting less than six weeks and could be caused by medications, insect bites, medicines, shellfish, nuts, food additives, eggs, and dairy. With allergic hives, breathing difficulty can happen as a result of the allergic reaction. But if the breathing difficulty becomes even a little bit elevated beyond a mere shortness of breath, medical attention should be sought. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction that can develop in seconds and presents with hives, breathing difficulty, wheezing, abdominal pain, confusion, and light-headedness or fainting.
Chronic hives lasts for longer than six weeks and the cause is often unable to be determined. They can be caused by the same sorts of things but in over half the cases are related to the immune system. The causes can also be physical, such as pressure, temperature extremes, exercise, or even anxiety. But even with chronic hives, breathing difficulty may suddenly accompany the hives when it didn’t happen in the past. And as is the case with acute hives, breathing difficulty of any severity needs medical attention because of the possibility you may be experiencing anaphylaxis. Even in chronic cases that have persisted for years, hives breathing difficulty should never be overlooked.
What Is The Connection With Hives And Anaphylaxis
Both conditions involve the release of histamine. Tissues in different body areas release histamine and other substances. The release of histamine directly under the skin results in fluid leaking under the skin, causing the raised, red, sometimes itchy areas known as hives. Breathing becomes difficult when the swelling causes airways to tighten as is the case with anaphylaxis. This can be fatal. Anaphylaxis can happen as the result of exposure to any allergen, many of the same ones that cause hives. Breathing difficulty doesn’t occur in the allergic reaction of hives, and is the main difference between anaphylaxis and urticaria. Anaphylaxis can happen at any time and so can hives. Breathing problems along with it should cause you to seek emergency treatment without delay.
