The combination of hives and nausea probably means some sort of allergic reaction. Hives are a common condition, one that is experienced by about one in five of the general population. The condition can affect any race or sex, and is not more prevalent in any one region of the world.
Hives are reddish, splotchy areas that are slightly raised and itch intensely. They are caused from a reaction that activates immune cells in the skin – the mast cells. When these cells are activated, histamine is released, causing the intense itching known as hives. Nausea is not a normal symptom associated with hives and when both hives and nausea are present, you must rule out anaphylaxis.
Hives And Nausea Could Be A Symptom Of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is serious. If not treated, it can be life threatening. It is a whole-body allergic reaction to something that the body perceives as an allergen. The reaction happens quickly and is severe. Symptoms include confusion, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, palpitations, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, and nausea.
It is an emergency and needs to be treated immediately. 911 should be called without delay. The patient may lose consciousness.
Hives And Nausea Could Also Be Experienced Together With Some Other Allergic Reactions
Most people think of allergic reaction as the main cause of acute hives but that is really not the case. When it can be diagnosed, it is more often associated with an infection or virus or both. But an allergic reaction to some medications could result in hives and nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Codeine in particular causes both hives and nausea. If the reaction happens within an hour of taking a medication of some sort, stop taking it until you can consult a physician.
Exercise Induced Hives Could Also Cause Hives And Nausea
There are many hives conditions known as physical hives. Most of these, however, will not cause nausea. Hives and nausea could, in some cases, occur together in exercise induced hives. These occur when physical exertion during exercise provokes an immune system response, sometimes to the sweat produced during exercise. It often happens only when a certain food is eaten prior to exercise. Most people that have this condition don’t want to stop exercising completely and with the help of their doctor can come up with certain exercise routines to avoid the associated hives and nausea. It could be not eating certain foods prior to exercise or may involve taking an antihistamine medication just prior to exercise. These cases are very individualized and beyond being able to explain in an article.
