Hives And Chest Pain? (Page 1)

I'm a 43 year old female and I had a very similar incident in july. After a normal day, I suddenly developed severe chest pains and hives. By the time the ambulance came, the chest pains stopped and the hives started to go away. I thought that was that. Wrong! The next day, I was covered in hives, welts and red marks that looked like burns (mostly on the torso). By that night, I was in the er getting iv's to keep my throat from closing. I was back in the er two more times that week with the hives. My doctor put me into intensive care for two days. The specialist that saw me in the hospital told me that the chest pains were caused by the lungs opening and closing. I thought it was my heart. With intense medication, the symptoms cleared up. Unfortunately, I never knew the cause.

I have to be very careful about the foods I eat because certain foods bother my throat. My skin is extremely sensitive, especially my arms (one scratch takes forever to go away and itches like crazy). My allergy doctor makes nothing out of the problems. He tells me everybody gets hives and they are no big deal (i guess because they're not on him). I've been through all kinds of tests. No answers. Just medication. Personally, I think it's environmental pollution and stress.

I've been reading books and started taking vitamins. The most important thing to remember, when you don't feel right, take medication and try to stay calm. Do you have an epi pen? Keep it on you just in case (i do). There are a lot of people out there with the same problem. I wish you luck. Hope you feel better.

I have also had similar symptoms....trust me on this....Try going gluten free (it is in so many products) I've had much success with that - though I'm now because of the season having to take my allergy medicines again - and the chest pain is creeping back - it has made a huge difference! I decided after encouragement from my allergist to go gluten free - I tried it for 1 week - I noticed such a difference with energy - hives etc. Give it a try, he has had other patients too (I'm 53 female and never had allergies in my life until I was 49) Good luck and I hope this helps!

Hello...
Your hives is more than likely because of something u have eaten.. And will continue to bother u until u figure out what is causing it..
I too went to the allergiest and was tested for everything under the son.. I finally decided to keep a food book...Write down everything u eat.. And when u get the hives fold that page down.. And dont eat anything on that page for at least a week and see if the hives clear up..
If they do.. Then eat whatevers on the folded page kinda like one by one..Ad a new food each day off that page..If u get the hives then stop go back and circle what it was u ate...

Then dont eat that something for one to two weeks till ure clear of the hives... Then eat that something..If u get the hives..Never eat it again..

I am extreamly allergic to (pork).. I cannot eat it at all..Even if I put it on my tonuge I will have hives.. But now I am extreamly allergic to pork..I swell big time.. Throat and all..

Your chest pain can mean you may be extreamly allergic to whatever it is u are eating..
This could be your warning sign beware..Your body is trying to tell you something..
I too have had the chest pains and didnt know what it was.. But ive been to the emergency room several times with throat closing up ..Chest pains is all included in a allergic reaction...
I keep and carry a epin ... (never had to use myself) but my kids know its there if need be..

The last allergic reaction..They gave me eppin...It made my chest feel really odd..
Hope u find out whats allergic to u.. Cause my allergist never did..And still doesnt belive im allergic.. But I know if I eat pork..Im in big trouble..
When u find out ..Watch what u eat at resturants..
You can die from eating something u are allegic to..
Good luck~!

There is nothing here that suggest you have food allergies. If you are allergic to certain food. Ask yourself if you ever had it before. If no, discussion is over. It wasn't food related. Most food allergies are discovered in childhood. Food like shrimp, milk, penicillin, shell fish are most common.

Anyhow, I had hives for 1 1/2 year. It took me an insane amount of research, and I finally solved it. Afterwards I used the same technique, so far on my count 9 people have completely gotten rid of chronic urticaria/hives.

Do the following.... No medicine needed. The cause is "detergent residue" and most people in their life time are not commited enough to solve it. Follow these techniques, it has not failed once.

1.) get rid of all your clothes. Throw them away or put them in a plastic bag air tight. You'll likely never wear them again.

2.) buy all new clothes. Preferably loose instead of tight. If you are budget strapped, buy just enough full sets of clothes for a 2 week rotation only.

3.) buy a new bath towel. Only use this one.

4.) get rid of your bed sheets and blankets. Buy new ones.

5.) before you do laundry, pre rinse 1 cycle with just water.

6.) when you do laundry, don't use any detergent. Use baking soda only. The hard part is making sure the people who share machine with you don't use detergent either!!!!

7.) now wash everything you bought a couple times with baking soda only. Towel, bed sheets, clothes.

8.) only wear your newly purchased clothes, all cotton. No polyester.

9.) only sleep on the bed with the new bed sheets.

10.) exercise daily enough to sweat the existing residue off. If you can't workout and sweat, take a detox bath. Make sure the bath tub is detergent free. No trace of any chemicals etc.

11.) wipe any furniture/couch/chair you might have very clean. Detergent residues are practically invisible.

12.) I have not met one person who was not cleared of this problem after 4-6 weeks. 4 weeks if you are committed!!!!

Allergies are considered an autoimmune disorder, since they are caused by an over-reaction of the immune system whereby the body produces too many antibodies to neutralize an antigen.

Strengthening your immune system is a must and can be done naturally…drop me an e-mail and I will send you some information.

Yours in health,

stephane

My mother is experiencing the same thing and they think it might be her colon or galbladder. You might want to get that checked out.

I do have anaphylaxis, but I hadn't experienced an attack in 20+years (mostly chemicals like pesticides) until recently.

About two months ago, I broke out in hives after being in freshly changed sheets (at home). My wife didn't think that she had changed the laundry products we use, and my first guess was some sort of cleaning product spilled on the bed, but on closer inspection Bounce had added a new 'Renewing Scent Pearls' ingredient. She re-washed clothes, and the attacks subsided - unless I wore something that had not been rewashed. When an attack happened, I took Benadryl, and the hives subsided

About 3 weeks ago, I started getting hives again - but the Bounce we use was changed back to the non-'Renewing' variety. On closer inspection the Downy liquid softener now had the 'Renewing Scent Pearls' ingredient added.

Bounce and Downy without 'Renewing Scent Pearls' - no hives.
Bounce or Downy with 'Renewing Scent Pearls' - hives, chest pains - and anaphylaxis if not stopped with Benadryl in time.

It's not scientific proof - but there appears to be a causal relationship validated by a double blind test on a population of 1 (me). Neither my wife nor I knew of the ingredient's presence until after the fact, and 100% of the times that I am exposed to it, I get the reaction. (I'm not blaming P&G here, just stating the facts as I see them).

I'm writing this from a hospital bed after my second attack of anaphylaxis in 3 weeks - after no attacks for 20+ years. There's no sign of cardiac muscle damage (detected by an enzyme in the blood), so it seems the chest pains are respiratory.

The ''Renewing Scent Pearls' seem to be persistent (by design' and require multiple washings to get it out of the fabric.

I never knew that getting dressed would be such an adventure - seeing if an article has the allergen or not.

I should say that I contacted P&G Several times. The first time, they sent coupons for replacement Bounce, and I was OK with that. The second time I contacted them about Downy, I got a 'it's probably not us, and we're sorry for the minor discomfort' letter. Then I had the first full anaphylaxis attack - called them back & they have asked for the product back in order to analyze it. Finally the right answer.

Their products might be fine - just not for me.

My urticaria and chest pains started 2 months ago, after a suspected spider bite. However no-one ever found a bite mark. I had also gone through a miscarriage and infection after a D&C, so was on various antibiotics.
I suspect my immune system to have been kicked into gear and was hypersensitive to absolutely everything. I was admitted to Emergency twice with hives all over my back and severe chest pain and was prescribed morphine the pain was that bad. My GP just told me I was suffering anxiety attacks and gave me some pain killers, sedatives and valium to sleep. After a month of suffering, I have now swapped doctors and she has referred me to an allergist. I have also changed my clothes detergent to a natural one and washed all my clothes and sheets. This however has not cured me. I still suffer chest pains every day (sometimes all day)and find it hard to stay at work. I am on a high does anti histamine and if i miss just one tablet, break out in hives all over.
I carry an epipen due to a couple of anaphylactic episodes in the past however am not even sure if I am still allergic to the same things, or whether I have developed an allergy to something I have been using for years.
My C4 is low and TSH a bit on the low side. Most autoimmune diseases are caused by the thyroid. It would be worth getting your Thyroid levels checked.

I am going to ask the Allergist to try this aswell as an elimination diet. Wish me luck! One day pain free would be a bonus.

Low C4 Complement is an anaphylatoxin. I have an autoimmune disease called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and have had anaphylaxis reactions many times. Also, 75% of the people who have lupus have low C4 Complement levels. I also had 2 miscarriages. A rheumatologist at Mayo Clinic finally diagnosed me with MCTD. It's rare and most doctors will not have any experience in dealing with patients that do have atypical symptoms. Good luck; it took me forty years to get diagnosed. I had to do a lot of research myself.

I have the same thing , for 7 weeks i have been covered in hives every day, i keep getting chest pain and panic attacks.
I have tried wheat and gluten free, soap poder, dairy ect no luck,

I am so fed up with it can anyone help.

I do have a underactive thyroid but i take meds for this and levels are fine.

further to last comment - Thoracic dr put me on Dothep so I can sleep, been on 3 years, no problem. I saw a tiny bite mark on left ring finger and welts started but dr thought that wasn't problem and then swelling moved to left hand and then all over. Had finished 2 rounds of Amoxycilin week earlier and 6 weeks earlier had large amounts of Mobic and Ibuprofen and asprin after hand surgery, also bought a new latex pillow. Help

excrutiating chest pain after hives broke out, been on corticosteroids 3 weeks and Norspan (light morphine) patch, in ER twice over last month, and stays in hospital, heart checked ok, thoracic dr thought when I had this 3 years ago that it was COSTOCONDROITIS which is why I was put on Dothep to make sure I rested at night and feels I am allergic to asprin. Rheumatologist I saw last week suspected URTICARIAL VAWSCULITIS. have been off corticosteroids for 5 days, and then last night raised red welts returned with a vengence, pain in joints (even with the light morphine patch on)red face,hives on scalp and back and stomach. I took photos, messaged my dr who said to go back on steroids 15mg. Frustrated as now can't do blood tests checking for lupus, thyroid etc as steroids have to be out of my system for at least a week. Still itchy today, use Polaramine (2) at night, and Zyrtec during the day,

I too have developed an allergy and I have been tested by the allergist.

Earlier, over 25 years ago, (when I was in my 30's) I developed a food allergy. For those that suggest allergies only happen when you are young - don't believe it. I had developed a corn allergy and a quick reivew of your pantry will reveal that corn and its bi-products are in almost everything. The ONLY solution is to avoid that food. Keep a food diary - that was a great suggestion.

My allergist then would not test me for what I and friend had diagnosed as a corn allergy. He was frankly making too much money with my 2-3 visits per week office visit giving me shots - yes I was that sick each and every day prior to my diagnosis.

I had gone to the health food bookstore and read in each one - the solution is not a doctor developed antigen (they mostly don't always work food allergies) but it is TOTAL food avoidance. He wasn't going to make money when I stopped coming (at the time it was unusual for insurance coverage to include allergy payments - mine paid for allergy testing and treatments).

He finally tested me for corn and I lit up like a Christmas tree and started to shock. 25 years later I can eat corn bi-products (with changes in my hormones (pregnancies and menopause)) bu I will never eat corn again nor take some over the counter medications - and yes corn can be in their compounds (I actually went into shock from an OTC).

In April I devleoped a new allergy (grass, trees and mold) which is also pretty severe. I now have the chest pains. That and the continuing nasusea when the hives are coming or are here or going is the most diblitating part of my allergy. It all comes and goes. If I spend too much time outside I can expect to be homebound due to a severe reaction. I am on Allegra, which takes care of the hives - but does nothing for the chest pains nor the nausea.

I would never recommend anyone throw away all of their clothes unless a doctor diagnoses a specific contact allergy. That is just a very extreme response to having hives without knowing WHY. I would do a lot of research before thinking about throwing my clothes out AND unquestionably I would need 2 opinions before I resorted to that.

I found this site because I am wondering about my chest pain which almost dibilitates me just before and after the hives arrive.

Thanks to everyone for sharing.

My new allergist is great - however their first testing would not include ones for food - I would have to get a second test for food.

BTW - Milk and Dairy allergies are very common. And one more thing - if your allergist isn't helping you...find another one. Don't give up. What I did in my 30's I would never do again.

i havn't had any allergic reactions before then 3 days ago i woke up for school, (i'm only 15) and i had itching all over my body and then it turned into big red lumps from my head to my feet, i went to the Dr and she said it was hives and gave me xergic 180.
But i still have them they go away and them come back a few hours later really bad, i suspect it might be milk so i'm going to try and stay away from that for a while.
if anyone has any other ideas please let me know.
thankzx

Hello~ I am 28 and I have been dealing with my hives for about 5 weeks now. I woke up one morning and felt like I was having an allergic reaction..(I am allergic to bleach, & I was at the pool the day before so I figured it was from that) and I took some benadryl and went on about my day.I had no signs of a breakout but I had minor pains in my chest and my hands were very itcy and in alot of pain.
The next day,I woke up and was itchy all over my head,ears,neck,and face.I began to worry, I doubled the dose of benadryl and delt with the pain and itching like this for the next two days..I never once had any signs of hives or a welt or anything.I was just really itchy and in pain.
On the 4th day I went to my family Dr.& she gave me a 6 day pack of steroids, and told me to take it and the benadryl with it..I did, and the pain and itching were less but never stopped completely.
On the fourth day of taking the steroids I woke up swollen all over my face,neck,ears,head,hands,and chest with huge hives.I went to the ER, the Dr.there told me I have scabies and gave me some cream to wash with, and she also gave me a steroid shot for the swelling and told me to go to a dermatologist,I washed with the medicine (even though I didn't belive I had scabies) and the next day I was covered all over with huge hives and severe chest pain.
I went to the dermatologist who said I didn't have scabies, that I have hives, he gave me a stronger antihistimine and told me to see an allergy specialist. That night I ended up back in the ER (a diff.one) and had to have an eppin shot because my throat,tounge,andmouth was swollen shut. They gave me a steroid shot and I felt better within an hour.
The next day I went to an allergist and she put me on steroids, and very strong antihistimines(Zyrtec,Doxipin,hydroxizine, and also zantac) with prednisone 3x daily. I have been taking 12 pills a day and I still have breakouts on occasion but nothing like what it was. The main thing I am concerned about is the severe chest pains I keep having even with the medications, it last for hours and hurts so bad but I cant take anything for pain because it will react against my medicine..I just want it to stop. Does any one have any suggestions for what I can do about the pain??

I have had similar problems. I was diagnosed with pancreatitis in 2003 and it has been a long process to determine what my body is sensitive to.

I also had severe musculoskeletal cracking and sever chest pain.
Since seeing a naturopath Bernie Bayard in oregon and a gentleman who does muscle testing, as well as an acupuncturist Shawn Dyler and a gastroenterologist...I have discovered I am a celiac...with an allergy to wheat and gluten. This illness takes tons of research to get it right. You can almost kiss goodbye eating out at restaurants. I also cannot do any dairy any longer. My body was very out of wack...but with lots of green veggies, juicing and home cooking with organic veggies and organic grass fed meat, I have gotten rid of the chest pain and my body is working better again. You may want to see eat right for your blood type as this was accurate for me, I am a O Pos.
Whatever you do don't let your body get too out of wack before seeing the right people who will actually identify the problem (doctors only helped with my endoscopy for example, not prevention of disease)

You're body needs good oils as well, like omega 3 hemp seed oil and high quality olive oil, coconut oil, etc.
I also had to do a lot of cleansing with ionic footbaths and got rid of a ton of candida with this Miracle Mineral Supplement which was a lifesaver. I cut out all sugar and all refined foods from my diet and drank tons of water. Your body will heal itself but it takes a ton of research and discipline to do so.

First thanks to everyone for posting their stories and theories. My 11 year old son had the chest pain, which came and went for the entire day. Then the hives came. They came and went, but I could see that they were coming only after a meal. So I have started with food and it has worked, so far. I went down to basics. No processed foods with ingredients I am unfamiliar with. The first day we ate oatmeal with water and sugar, no milk or butter. For lunch and dinner we had plain rice with a little salt and plain carrots. No one was happy about the meals but everyone was happy about my son not suffering from chest pain or hives. We had success! Thank God. I add only one plain food every meal, and I write everything down. I don't season the food or add any condiments until I know my son can handle it in its plain form. So far we have reintroduced milk, butter, honey, chicken, kosher hotdogs (some hotdogs have additives), and tomatoes! It's only been four days.

My daughter started out with what we thought was a respiratory infection in aug '09. She went to urgent care and they prescribed amoxicillin. Bad idea.... she broke out in hives all over her body. went back to the doctor and was switched to Zithromax, but she didn't get better. Turns out she had infectious mono-like syndrome (tested negative for both Epstein Barr and CMV, the most common causes of mono). Apparently mono and amoxicillin do not mix!
Anyway, since then she has a developed an "allergy" to certain hand sanitzers and disenfectants (usually this is referred to as not a true allergy but multiple chemical sensitivity). If someone uses either while in the same room with her, she breaks out with hives first on her palms and then her feet, followed by her face and so on if she doesn't take Benadryl. Tightness of the chest follows. Now when exposed to sanitizer or disinfectant, on top of the hives, her wrist joints start to ache and she constantly rotates them because they feel like they are locking up.
So now she avoids those triggers as much as possible, which is pretty hard since everyone carries hand sanitizer. We are trying to figure some other things to help. We are looking in to what we can do to help build her immune system and so on. Any other ideas would be very helpful.

I have had the same type chest pain for 25 yrs. Initially saw heart specialists, was on heart meds.,etc.20 yrs ago I was dx'd w/ RA.
Ten yrs ago I had hives & swollen throat w/ the chest pain and it took 9 days for a dx of aspirin allergy. Last week my throat swelled up and I had the chest pain, after eating a piece of orange. I also itch all over, especially my back, every night for the past 15 yrs, and no dr. knows why, or what to do.