[OT] Hives
 

Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
(GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
anything.

The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?

nb

[OT] Hives
 

notbob wrote:

> Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
> days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
> was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
> red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
> thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
> (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
> heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
> anything.
>
> The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
> was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
> thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
> peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
> It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
> pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?


I had a similar reaction after eating at a sushi place in San Diego
something like ten years ago. Never did figure out what caused it, but it
came and went several times over the course of three days, then went away
for good. I'm sure it was *some* kind of allergy, but I've continued to eat
sushi and there hasn't been a recurrence.

Also, it is *definitely* possible for allergies to change over time. You
might consider asking your doctor to do an allergy screening on you, because
you have reason to believe you've developed a new allergy.

Bob

[OT] Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
> days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
> was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
> red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
> thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
> (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
> heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
> anything.
>
> The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
> was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
> thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
> peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
> It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
> pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
>
> nb



Warning: IANAD nor do I play one in real life.

You can develop allergies at any age. When I was 53 and taking some
strong meads just after my angioplasty, I was eating a lot of fruit for
health reasons. I became allergic to kiwifruit. The first day I
noticed it, I had a pinpoint rash on my inner forearms. The next day I
ate kiwi again and developed large hives and badly swollen lips.
Benedryl took care of the symptoms, but I've stayed away from kiwi
because they weren't pleasant and from what I understand, each episode
gets more severe.

It may be due to a virus. It may be a reaction to a toxin. It may be a
reaction to crab or one of the many other things you have eaten recently
even though they never triggered anything in the past. It may be from a
new shirt or pruning the junipers. If it comes back, I'd go to an
allergist for testing so you can identify and avoid the allergen.

gloria p

[OT] Hives
 

"ms_peacock" > writes:


> maybe a laundry product or bath soap.

Yeah, the doc asked about those, too. I use Zest and she recommended
Dove. I used to use Dove, but got tired of scraping the soap scum off
with a snow shovel.

OBfood; Gonna have my Thai noodle soup with homemade bbq pork for
super. The leftover marinade was so fragrant, I left it out on the
counter for a couple days. A sorta culinary potpourri.

nb

[OT] Hives
 

Steve Wertz > writes:


> I've never had the hives last more than a few hours after
> treatment though. And usually they come on more sudden.

I've had really minor food allergies, but that was years ago and quite
minor. The only things that bugged me were the skin of cucumbers,
avocados, and occasionally okra. These only manifested themselves as
a few raised welts in my mouth, lasting only a couple hours. Now I
eat an avocado every couple days and haven't had cuke skin in decades.
The okra thing shows up now and them but only on my lips. I hope it's
the peanuts. If it's shellfish, I may as well end it, now. :(

nb

[OT] Hives
 

"notbob" > wrote in message
...
>
> Anyone know about hives? >
> Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
>
> nb

It might not be something you ate, it might be something you came in contact
with. Yes, it's possible to become allergic to things later in life. I
became allergic to penicillin around 35. My son started developing
allergies to stuff he'd eaten his whole life around age 28.

It's possible you're allergic to either the seafood or the peanuts. Or
maybe a laundry product or bath soap.

Ms P

[OT] Hives
 

"notbob" > wrote in message ...
:
: Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
: days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
: was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
: red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
: thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
: (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
: heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
: anything.
:
: The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
: was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
: thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
: peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
: It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
: pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
: is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
: been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
: toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
:
: nb

Marine stuff can be harvested from time to time from areas of the sea that have
toxic algae.
If the Country/Area doesn't check, then you can get sporadic outbreaks of
rashes/sickness. It certainly doesn't
affect everyone that eats it.
Here in NZ, the sea areas are regularly sampled and tested and a ban on
shellfish/seafood collection goes in place until the tests show it is clear.

The point being, this was never done a few years ago, so some people suffered
during the outbreak times. These were usually the people who say "I am allergic
to shellfish"

Frenchy

Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
> days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
> was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
> red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
> thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
> (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
> heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
> anything.
>

Allergies change all the time (or lack thereof).

You poor thing - my ex got a big case of hives when I used a color
remover in the laundry to get his red ball point pen out of his white
shirts. He was really sensitive to it. Ever since, with the boys'
stuff, I always wash the garments twice after using the color remover.

N.

[OT] Hives
 

ms_peacock wrote:
> "notbob" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Anyone know about hives? >
>> Grrrr..... So,
>> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
>> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
>> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
>>
>> nb
>
> It might not be something you ate, it might be something you came in contact
> with. Yes, it's possible to become allergic to things later in life. I
> became allergic to penicillin around 35. My son started developing
> allergies to stuff he'd eaten his whole life around age 28.

Yes, but it's not just "possible." It's probable. In fact, if you expose
yourself to the same old things often enough for long enough over your
lifetime, it's almost guaranteed that you'll end up sensitive to
something eventually.

Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.

Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
> days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
> was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
> red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
> thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
> (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
> heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
> anything.
>
> The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
> was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
> thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
> peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
> It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
> pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
>
> nb

Could be a venereal disease... have you been screwing around with
poison ivy/oak/sumac? Early spring is when folks do yard work.. even
if not you your neighbor could be ... anyone downwind can get
zapped.... be especially wary of folks burning brush.

Sheldon

[OT] Hives
 

Steve Wertz > writes:

> On 05 May 2006 13:06:36 -0700, notbob wrote:

> $64.99! That's right, only $64.99. That's less than HALF the
> price of a shotgun.

Hey, I want the full price of a shotgun! ;)

nb

[OT] Hives
 

"Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > writes:

> Pennyaline >
> :
>
> >
> > Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are
> > immune system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in
> > every case.
>
> Exactly what my doctor and the dermatologist told me.

Holy crap! I'm backing off ice cream and beer today! ;)

nb

[OT] Hives
 

"Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > writes:

> notbob > :

> want to. Apparently my immune system got over it. Have you had any trauma
> recently?

I had to get up before 9:00 on Tuesday. <shrug>

nb

[OT] Hives
 

"notbob" > wrote in message ...
>
> Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
> days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
> was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
> red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
> thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
> (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
> heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
> anything.
>
> The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
> was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
> thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
> peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
> It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
> pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
>
> nb

It sounds exactly like what happens to my daughter when she eats yogurt.
As for food allergies, they can develop at any age, regardless of how much you have
eaten the food item in the past. My doctor said it's almost like there is a set
amount of certain items that your body will handle (though different for each
individual), and once you reach it, you begin reacting to that item. Food allergies
can sometimes go away too, especially in small children.
Write down whatever you can remember from the preceding the appearance of the rash,
and the day that it appeared. If and when it happens again, compare to see what both
incidents have in common.

Another thing: If it's an allergy, you should be able to get relief from an
antihistamine.

Hope this helps!

kimberly

[OT] Hives
 

Nexis wrote:

> It sounds exactly like what happens to my daughter when she eats yogurt.
> As for food allergies, they can develop at any age, regardless of how much you have
> eaten the food item in the past. My doctor said it's almost like there is a set
> amount of certain items that your body will handle (though different for each
> individual), and once you reach it, you begin reacting to that item. Food allergies
> can sometimes go away too, especially in small children.
> Write down whatever you can remember from the preceding the appearance of the rash,
> and the day that it appeared. If and when it happens again, compare to see what both
> incidents have in common.
>
> Another thing: If it's an allergy, you should be able to get relief from an
> antihistamine.

Agreed. There's at least some chance it could be a seafood induced
histamine reaction.

--
Reg

[OT] Hives
 

On Sat, 06 May 2006 02:16:20 GMT, Reg > wrote:

>> Another thing: If it's an allergy, you should be able to get relief from an
>> antihistamine.
>
>Agreed. There's at least some chance it could be a seafood induced
>histamine reaction.

Take Benadryl.

Christine

Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > writes:
>
> > notbob > :
>
> > want to. Apparently my immune system got over it. Have you had any trauma
> > recently?
>
> I had to get up before 9:00 on Tuesday. <shrug>

Well, there is a war on, you know.

--Blair

Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?

Maybe you're allergic to hives.

--Blair
"Who wants fudge?"

Hives
 

Christine Dabney wrote:
> On Sat, 06 May 2006 02:16:20 GMT, Reg > wrote:
> >Agreed. There's at least some chance it could be a seafood induced
> >histamine reaction.
>
> Take Benadryl.

If anyone here hasn't seen Hitch, see Hitch, just for this scene.

--Blair

Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
> days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
> was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
> red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
> thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
> (GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
> heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
> anything.
>
> The question is, can that change. The only exotica I've eaten lately
> was a D-crab, bought from a Asian supermarket and cooked quite
> thoroughly by myself. Never been a problem before. Had a buncha
> peanuts around the same time, but I've been eating those all my life.
> It looks like the damn thing has peaked and is on the ebb, but whatta
> pain. I've been itching and scratching like crazy. Grrrr..... So,
> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
> been a problem before?

Yes.

> Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
> toxic no-seeums?

Probably the crab, themselves.

> WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?

I would just avoid the crab (most likely agent), and eat peanuts alone
one time in a small dose to see if you react. Have some Benedryl handy
incase you do. the crab could also be high in some nutrient seasonally
to which you react. You just never know.

-L.

Hives
 

Steve Wertz wrote:
> On 5 May 2006 22:12:26 -0700, -L. wrote:
>
> > I would just avoid the crab (most likely agent), and eat peanuts alone
> > one time in a small dose to see if you react. Have some Benedryl handy
> > incase you do. the crab could also be high in some nutrient seasonally
> > to which you react. You just never know.
>
> A note on Benedryl, if you buy the caps, you c an break them open
> and pour the contents under your tongue for faster relief. I've
> never had to do it for shellfish, but I've head to relieve my
> fire ant allergies ASAP before the ambulance could arrive.
>
> Under the tongue is the next best thing to intravenous and not
> having an Epipen handy.
>
> No, it doesn't taste very good, but it will numb up your tongue
> so you won't taste it as much.
>
> -sw

Thanks for the info. I just keep the liquid on hand since DS is
nut-allergic. That stuff tastes nasty, though!
-L.

[OT] Hives
 

"Karen AKA Kajikit" > wrote in message
...
> On 05 May 2006 12:11:20 -0700, notbob > wrote:
>
>>
>>Anyone know about hives? I think I might have them. Woke up a few
>>days ago with a slight rash on the back of my hand. By yesterday I
>>was covered head to toe with a jillion small red dots and a few raised
>>red welts on the softer skin parts (back, chest, arms, etc). I
>>thought it might be shingles (had chkn-px as kid), so went to the doc
>>(GP). She said no, not shingles. Dismissed it as a food allergy or
>>heat rash. Well, it's not hot and I've never been much allergic to
>>anything.
>>
>
Bed bugs! There is an outbreak now, so I'm told.
Elaine

[OT] Hives
 

notbob wrote:
> "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > writes:
>
>> notbob > :
>
>> want to. Apparently my immune system got over it. Have you had any trauma
>> recently?
>
> I had to get up before 9:00 on Tuesday. <shrug>

I understand completely. On any other day I could do that without any
problem, but never on Tuesdays.

Hives
 

Pennyaline wrote:

> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.

Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
to milk.

Gabby

[OT] Hives
 

"Pennyaline" > wrote in message
...
> notbob wrote:
>> "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > writes:
>>
>>> notbob > :
>>
>>> want to. Apparently my immune system got over it. Have you had any
>>> trauma recently?
>>
>> I had to get up before 9:00 on Tuesday. <shrug>
>
> I understand completely. On any other day I could do that without any
> problem, but never on Tuesdays.
========

Really? Thursdays are my problem day. While the old song may go "Never on
a Sunday (or was it Monday?)...", it's never on a Thursday for me. Wow...
that's a tough day.

--
Syssi

[OT] Hives
 

"Pennyaline" > wrote in message
...
> ms_peacock wrote:
>> "notbob" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Anyone know about hives? >
>>> Grrrr..... So,
>>> is it possible to suddenly become allergic to things that have never
>>> been a problem before? Are market fish tanks prone to cultivating
>>> toxic no-seeums? WTF!? Should I get the blood test, anyway?
>>>
>>> nb
>>
>> It might not be something you ate, it might be something you came in
>> contact with. Yes, it's possible to become allergic to things later in
>> life. I became allergic to penicillin around 35. My son started
>> developing allergies to stuff he'd eaten his whole life around age 28.
>
> Yes, but it's not just "possible." It's probable. In fact, if you expose
> yourself to the same old things often enough for long enough over your
> lifetime, it's almost guaranteed that you'll end up sensitive to something
> eventually.
>
> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.
============

Or... you know what else it could be? Ophelia and Damsel may have come for
a visit while you were napping and attacked you with red permanent markers!
By jove, I think I did it! It's markers I tell ya... little red permanent
markers! Can you believe that Trollops would have that much time (and
frequent flyer mileage!) to be able to do that? Unbeweavable!
--
Syssi

[OT] Hives
 

"notbob" > wrote in message
...
> "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > writes:
>
>> Pennyaline >
>> :
>>
>> >
>> > Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are
>> > immune system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in
>> > every case.
>>
>> Exactly what my doctor and the dermatologist told me.
>
> Holy crap! I'm backing off ice cream and beer today! ;)
>
> nb
======

Noooooooo! One or the other - not both... otherwise you won't be able to
tell which one is the problem. Choose wisely my son...let the force guide
you.

--
Syssi
(who might have Strep throat! uggh)

Hives
 

"Blair P. Houghton" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Christine Dabney wrote:
>> On Sat, 06 May 2006 02:16:20 GMT, Reg > wrote:
>> >Agreed. There's at least some chance it could be a seafood induced
>> >histamine reaction.
>>
>> Take Benadryl.
>
> If anyone here hasn't seen Hitch, see Hitch, just for this scene.
>
> --Blair
>============

Oh my gosh, YES!! What a riot! I laughed so hard during that!!! I need to
watch it again. What a riot. Truly.
--
Syssi

Hives
 

Gabby wrote:
> Pennyaline wrote:
>
>> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
>> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.
>
> Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
> to milk.

Allergic reactions NEVER happen on the first, single exposure.
Sensitization happens once the body has manufactured antibodies against
a substance, and this is not an immediate event. When the antibodies are
ready and in circulation and the person is exposed to the substance
(allergen) again, the allergen/antibody conflict triggers, the whole
immune system kicks on, the inflammatory response begins and the
symptoms of allergic reaction manifest themselves.

What most people call "milk allergy" is not an allergic reaction at all.
In the case of milk, it is generally an enzyme deficiency that causes
the problems. If your daughter experiences the typical prostrating
*gastrointestinal* symptoms after ingesting cows milk, enzyme deficiency
is the culprit.

She could have had a reaction to something in the milk that is not an
actual chemical component of cows milk, something that she *had* been
exposed to before in another form or product, and that would have been a
true allergic reaction. But it is not a "milk allergy," as she will
react to it wherever she encounters it.

Hives
 

Steve Wertz > writes:


> never had to do it for shellfish, but I've head to relieve my
> fire ant allergies ASAP before the ambulance could arrive.

Yikes! Boy, I'm glad I don't have fire ants to contend with. I did a
paper on them in a public speaking class as a kid. Had a healthy fear
of them ever since. Figured I was pretty safe, too, being way up here
in NorCal. But, I just recently learned SoCal (Orange County) is
seeing infestations. [shudder] If they get here, I'm moving to CO!

nb

Hives
 

"Syssi" > writes:


> Oh my gosh, YES!! What a riot! I laughed so hard during that!!! I need to
> watch it again. What a riot. Truly.

I'll hafta check it out. Now that my "condition" has downgraded from
a no-laughing-matter to an occasional thoughtless scratch, I need a
good laugh ...and a stiff drink. ;)

nb

Hives
 

Pennyaline wrote:
> Gabby wrote:
> > Pennyaline wrote:
> >
> >> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
> >> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.
> >
> > Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
> > to milk.
>
> Allergic reactions NEVER happen on the first, single exposure.
> Sensitization happens once the body has manufactured antibodies against
> a substance, and this is not an immediate event. When the antibodies are
> ready and in circulation and the person is exposed to the substance
> (allergen) again, the allergen/antibody conflict triggers, the whole
> immune system kicks on, the inflammatory response begins and the
> symptoms of allergic reaction manifest themselves.
>
> What most people call "milk allergy" is not an allergic reaction at all.
> In the case of milk, it is generally an enzyme deficiency that causes
> the problems. If your daughter experiences the typical prostrating
> *gastrointestinal* symptoms after ingesting cows milk, enzyme deficiency
> is the culprit.
>
> She could have had a reaction to something in the milk that is not an
> actual chemical component of cows milk, something that she *had* been
> exposed to before in another form or product, and that would have been a
> true allergic reaction. But it is not a "milk allergy," as she will
> react to it wherever she encounters it.

My daughter had one exposure to milk -- the night she was born. 8
months later, she broke out in hives on her second contact with milk
(on her skin, not in her stomach). She is still, 25 years later,
severely ALLERGIC to milk.

Gabby

[OT] Hives
 

To my knowledge, I've never been allergic to anything in my life, but
one night, about 5 years ago, I woke with a burning sensation in my
palms and the soles of my feet. I felt whoozy when I got out of bed and
walked into the bathroom. When I looked in the mirror, I was covered
from head to foot with hives. There were huge red welts everywhere and
I felt very light headed. When I started to feel a little itching and
swelling in my throat I decided to call the dr. who told me to get to
the emergency room immediately.

By the time I got dressed, the throat swelling and lightheadedness went
away, so I skipped the ER and went back to bed. By the next morning the
hives were completely gone.

I never figured out what I was reacting to. I wondered if I had been
bitten by a bug of some kind, but never even found a sting mark. I've
never had hives again.

Hives
 

Pennyaline wrote:

> Gabby wrote:
>
>> Pennyaline wrote:
>>
>>> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
>>> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.
>>
>>
>> Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
>> to milk.
>
>
> Allergic reactions NEVER happen on the first, single exposure.
> Sensitization happens once the body has manufactured antibodies
> against a substance, and this is not an immediate event. When the
> antibodies are ready and in circulation and the person is exposed to
> the substance (allergen) again, the allergen/antibody conflict
> triggers, the whole immune system kicks on, the inflammatory response
> begins and the symptoms of allergic reaction manifest themselves.
>
> What most people call "milk allergy" is not an allergic reaction at
> all. In the case of milk, it is generally an enzyme deficiency that
> causes the problems. If your daughter experiences the typical
> prostrating *gastrointestinal* symptoms after ingesting cows milk,
> enzyme deficiency is the culprit.
>
> She could have had a reaction to something in the milk that is not an
> actual chemical component of cows milk, something that she *had* been
> exposed to before in another form or product, and that would have been
> a true allergic reaction. But it is not a "milk allergy," as she will
> react to it wherever she encounters it.

I wonder if you might know something about my allergy.

I can drink alcohol, no problems. And I can eat crustaceans - crabs,
prawns, lobsters (I am told that the normal allergy is to the iodine
content). But the two together, and it only takes a minute quantity of
alcohol in a sauce, for example, cause prolonged vomiting. I've only had
three episodes in my life, each worse than the last, and if it ever
happens again I don't doubt I'd be hospitalised.

I know of somebody who died of this, in hospital, when his heart gave
out under the strain of three days of vomiting. As a result, I
scrupulously avoid seafood - actually, I think if I accidentally ate a
prawn I'd throw up for purely psychological reasons. At yum chas it's
possible to to inadvertently consume prawn meat, but there's no danger
of alcohol having been used in the cooking and I avoid alcohol for 24
hours after a yum cha to be on the safe side.

I am also scared of other sorts of seafood like oysters, which may be
unnecessary but I'm not willing to try an empirical test. If I knew
exactly what was going on it would help, but it's beyond the GP's
expertise. Have you any suggestions?

Christine

Hives
 

Gabby wrote:
> Pennyaline wrote:
>> Gabby wrote:
>>>> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
>>>> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.
>>> Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
>>> to milk.
>> Allergic reactions NEVER happen on the first, single exposure.
>> Sensitization happens once the body has manufactured antibodies against
>> a substance, and this is not an immediate event. When the antibodies are
>> ready and in circulation and the person is exposed to the substance
>> (allergen) again, the allergen/antibody conflict triggers, the whole
>> immune system kicks on, the inflammatory response begins and the
>> symptoms of allergic reaction manifest themselves.
>>
>> What most people call "milk allergy" is not an allergic reaction at all.
>> In the case of milk, it is generally an enzyme deficiency that causes
>> the problems. If your daughter experiences the typical prostrating
>> *gastrointestinal* symptoms after ingesting cows milk, enzyme deficiency
>> is the culprit.
>>
>> She could have had a reaction to something in the milk that is not an
>> actual chemical component of cows milk, something that she *had* been
>> exposed to before in another form or product, and that would have been a
>> true allergic reaction. But it is not a "milk allergy," as she will
>> react to it wherever she encounters it.
>
> My daughter had one exposure to milk -- the night she was born. 8
> months later, she broke out in hives on her second contact with milk
> (on her skin, not in her stomach). She is still, 25 years later,
> severely ALLERGIC to milk.

Thank you for reinforcing my point.

Hives
 

Old Mother Ashby wrote:
> Pennyaline wrote:
>
>> Gabby wrote:
>>
>>> Pennyaline wrote:
>>>
>>>> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are immune
>>>> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every case.
>>>
>>>
>>> Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
>>> to milk.
>>
>>
>> Allergic reactions NEVER happen on the first, single exposure.
>> Sensitization happens once the body has manufactured antibodies
>> against a substance, and this is not an immediate event. When the
>> antibodies are ready and in circulation and the person is exposed to
>> the substance (allergen) again, the allergen/antibody conflict
>> triggers, the whole immune system kicks on, the inflammatory response
>> begins and the symptoms of allergic reaction manifest themselves.
>>
>> What most people call "milk allergy" is not an allergic reaction at
>> all. In the case of milk, it is generally an enzyme deficiency that
>> causes the problems. If your daughter experiences the typical
>> prostrating *gastrointestinal* symptoms after ingesting cows milk,
>> enzyme deficiency is the culprit.
>>
>> She could have had a reaction to something in the milk that is not an
>> actual chemical component of cows milk, something that she *had* been
>> exposed to before in another form or product, and that would have been
>> a true allergic reaction. But it is not a "milk allergy," as she will
>> react to it wherever she encounters it.
>
> I wonder if you might know something about my allergy.
>
> I can drink alcohol, no problems. And I can eat crustaceans - crabs,
> prawns, lobsters (I am told that the normal allergy is to the iodine
> content). But the two together, and it only takes a minute quantity of
> alcohol in a sauce, for example, cause prolonged vomiting. I've only had
> three episodes in my life, each worse than the last, and if it ever
> happens again I don't doubt I'd be hospitalised.
>
> I know of somebody who died of this, in hospital, when his heart gave
> out under the strain of three days of vomiting. As a result, I
> scrupulously avoid seafood - actually, I think if I accidentally ate a
> prawn I'd throw up for purely psychological reasons. At yum chas it's
> possible to to inadvertently consume prawn meat, but there's no danger
> of alcohol having been used in the cooking and I avoid alcohol for 24
> hours after a yum cha to be on the safe side.
>
> I am also scared of other sorts of seafood like oysters, which may be
> unnecessary but I'm not willing to try an empirical test. If I knew
> exactly what was going on it would help, but it's beyond the GP's
> expertise. Have you any suggestions?

It may not be an allergy at all. It may be a reaction to the chemical
compounds inherent in the combination, in the same way MSG can cause a
typical reaction.

I have no doubt that you would be hospitalized the next time you ingest
the combination, so I don't recommend the empirical trial either. I am
curious about one little thing, though: when you say "alcohol," do you
mean liquor or wine?

<sulfites, perhaps?>

Hives
 

Pennyaline wrote:

>
> Thank you for reinforcing my point.

MY point was that a single exposure can be enough to trigger the
antibodies.

Gabby

[OT] Hives
 

Hives
 

Pennyaline wrote:

> Old Mother Ashby wrote:
>
>> Pennyaline wrote:
>>
>>> Gabby wrote:
>>>
>>>> Pennyaline wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Allergies and sensitivities don't spring from a vacuum. They are
>>>>> immune
>>>>> system reactions. They are caused by repeated exposure, in every
>>>>> case.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Or a single exposure in some cases, evidenced by my daughter's allergy
>>>> to milk.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Allergic reactions NEVER happen on the first, single exposure.
>>> Sensitization happens once the body has manufactured antibodies
>>> against a substance, and this is not an immediate event. When the
>>> antibodies are ready and in circulation and the person is exposed to
>>> the substance (allergen) again, the allergen/antibody conflict
>>> triggers, the whole immune system kicks on, the inflammatory
>>> response begins and the symptoms of allergic reaction manifest
>>> themselves.
>>>
>>> What most people call "milk allergy" is not an allergic reaction at
>>> all. In the case of milk, it is generally an enzyme deficiency that
>>> causes the problems. If your daughter experiences the typical
>>> prostrating *gastrointestinal* symptoms after ingesting cows milk,
>>> enzyme deficiency is the culprit.
>>>
>>> She could have had a reaction to something in the milk that is not
>>> an actual chemical component of cows milk, something that she *had*
>>> been exposed to before in another form or product, and that would
>>> have been a true allergic reaction. But it is not a "milk allergy,"
>>> as she will react to it wherever she encounters it.
>>
>>
>> I wonder if you might know something about my allergy.
>>
>> I can drink alcohol, no problems. And I can eat crustaceans - crabs,
>> prawns, lobsters (I am told that the normal allergy is to the iodine
>> content). But the two together, and it only takes a minute quantity
>> of alcohol in a sauce, for example, cause prolonged vomiting. I've
>> only had three episodes in my life, each worse than the last, and if
>> it ever happens again I don't doubt I'd be hospitalised.
>>
>> I know of somebody who died of this, in hospital, when his heart gave
>> out under the strain of three days of vomiting. As a result, I
>> scrupulously avoid seafood - actually, I think if I accidentally ate
>> a prawn I'd throw up for purely psychological reasons. At yum chas
>> it's possible to to inadvertently consume prawn meat, but there's no
>> danger of alcohol having been used in the cooking and I avoid alcohol
>> for 24 hours after a yum cha to be on the safe side.
>>
>> I am also scared of other sorts of seafood like oysters, which may be
>> unnecessary but I'm not willing to try an empirical test. If I knew
>> exactly what was going on it would help, but it's beyond the GP's
>> expertise. Have you any suggestions?
>
>
> It may not be an allergy at all. It may be a reaction to the chemical
> compounds inherent in the combination, in the same way MSG can cause a
> typical reaction.
>
> I have no doubt that you would be hospitalized the next time you
> ingest the combination, so I don't recommend the empirical trial
> either. I am curious about one little thing, though: when you say
> "alcohol," do you mean liquor or wine?
>
> <sulfites, perhaps?>

Both. On the first occasion in was gin in the punch, on the second it
was white wine and on the third it was kirsch in the dessert sauce. It
wasn't even my dessert, it was Derrick's; I just had a little taste and
as soon as I swallowed it I knew I'd made a big mistake. To make matters
worse somebody beat me to the loo, so there I was throwing up
spectacularly in the washbasin!

I dare say you're right that I shouldn't call it an allergy. It is
obviously some sort of chemical reaction. But you can see why I avoid
seafood as being much harder to ingest accidentally than alcohol.

Thanks for your comments.

Christine

[OT] Hives (Benedryl)
 

Christine Dabney wrote:

> Take Benadryl.


And remember that Benedryl makes most people too drowsy to drive.


This thread reminds me of a similar one on another usenet group. The
original poster wrote in with some symptoms. The regulars talked it
over and concluded (concluded as much as regulars on usenet groups ever
agree on anything) that the op was having an allergic reaction and
suggested Benedryl. The op got back to us with an update.


She'd gone to the pharmacy, taken Benedryl right there, and gone to a
club meeting afterwards. She used some sort of expression like "swigged
it down" that indicated to me that she hadn't measured exactly. She
then described feeling worse at the club meeting, deciding to drive
herself to an emergency clinic, driving off the road on the way, being
unharmed, and going home.


The rest of the regulars reading this report expressed sympathy. My
reaction was a little different. I was outraged. (And this is where I
get amused that people on this usenet group think I'm polite. Everyone
over there hated me. I was too outspoken.) I wondered how anyone could
be so stupid as to not know that Benedryl would make them drowsy. The
warnings are all over the box! It was one thing that she thought so
little of endangering her own life, but once you get behind the wheel of
the car, you're endangering everyone else's too. Once I got it started,
someone else piped in with the information that she could have been
booked for driving under the influence.


I dropped out of the thread at that point, but I did start to wonder why
we'd all come down so hard on anyone driving drunk but have nothing but
sympathy for someone who was sick, on medication, but still in no
condition to drive. I realized that earlier in the thread many of us
had suggested Benedryl but none of us had put in the warning about
Benedryl and drowsiness. So I made it my personal mission to mention it
whenever it came up.


--Lia