Archive for November, 2013

If You Have Constipation and Hives at Same Time, Look for Drug Side Effects

Some individuals that have hives and constipation and hives at the same time assume it is a symptom of a particular illness. While that certainly could be the case, constipation and hives are both common symptoms of many different conditions on their own and the combination will most likely be an indication that a certain medication is giving you problems.

 

Hives and Constipation Together Is a Common Occurrence for Those Taking Trazodone

 

All medications have side effects. Hives, constipation, dry mouth, and headaches are common side effects in a lot of drugs. But in some cases certain side effect combinations can indicate an allergic reaction instead of being a side effect.  Be sure to read the specific warnings on the drug to be sure. A common anti depressant, Trazodone, would be one of these. And since it is such a commonly prescribed medication, it is worth mentioning because the combination of constipation and hives can indicate a serious allergic reaction that requires medical attention. Many patients suffering from chronic hives end up dealing with depression because of the hives.

If you are on trazodone and have constipation that suddenly is accompanied by hives, you need to get medical attention without delay. And of course do not take any more of it without consulting your prescribing physician.

 

What Else Could Cause Constipation and Hives at the Same Time?

 

A condition left untreated that will cause constipation and hives, along with dizziness is Candida. Other symptoms that are not as common are stomach pain and tinnitus. That is pretty much it for the symptoms so if this describes you treatment for Candida would be a good idea, or at least something to be considered.

It is not talked about much and some people never heard of it but according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 75% of women will experience this yeast overgrowth at least once in the form of a vaginal yeast infection. And along with constipation and hives, the other symptoms are headache, fatigue, and digestive problems.

Some other conditions that could cause the constipation and hives combination are

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Adverse reaction to artificial sweetener known as Truvia
  • Helicobacter pylori infection

 

But these are not at all common and the most likely culprit will be a reaction to a drug, either an allergic reaction or just side effects from its use. And although there may be some people claiming it, there is really no such condition known as constipation hives. The two symptoms may occur at the same time as discussed here, but hives are not caused by constipation.


Hives (Urticaria) and Depression Have an Unusual Relationship

The relationship between hives and depression is a complex, ironic one. In fact hives, known medically as urticaria, and depression may be directly related or a side effect of each other.

Let’s start off with the simplest relationship between the two. Hives is a common skin disorder experienced at least once by about 20 percent of the population. But there is an unfortunate minority of patients that develop chronic urticaria, and depression for those patients is an all too familiar companion. Not only are the hives bothersome in the way they constantly itch and interfere with daily activities, but the unsightly appearance of them makes people self-conscience to the point that they will start to isolate themselves to avoid being seen. With chronic hives, depression is fairly common as the patient sees no light at the end of the tunnel and can think of nothing else but their condition. There have been some cases where people have suffered for years with hives and depression becomes so severe that they become suicidal.

 

Urticaria and Depression May Be Related To Medication

 

There are many depression medications that cause hives in some patients as a side effect. So the relationship between hives and depression is sort of secondary, but emotionally destructive. The patient is already depressed so they begin a medication to help them overcome the depression.  Hives appear as a side effect of the drug. Urticaria and depression in these instances can become a vicious cycle unless the patient realizes the relationship and stops or changes the medication immediately. Needless to say any positive effect the drug may have on the depression will be wiped out by the emotional toll caused by the hives. And depression will only feed on itself in these cases so recognition of the relationship is key to stopping this cycle of urticaria and depression making each condition worse.

 

Other Relationships between Hives and Depression

 

The cause of hives in over half the cases is never determined. Sometimes depression or emotional state can bring on an acute case of hives, or even chronic hives. But anxiety is a more common emotional trigger for urticaria and depression is pretty far down the list of causes.

More commonly, there are many medications that have hives and depression in their list of side effects. And these are not only anti-depressant drugs. Many drugs prescribed for all different conditions will trigger both hives and depression. The depression will not manifest right away, however, so take a look at the prescription insert patient information on any drug taken for more than a couple weeks to see if these symptoms appear as side effects.

If hives is causing the depression, the best way to break the cycle is to get to the root cause of the hives. In chronic cases, it will usually be related to an immune system problem of some sort.


Hives (Urticaria), Hair Loss Probably Autoimmune Disorder

If you are having problems with urticaria, hair loss is probably not related directly to the urticaria. Hair loss can be attributed to many things but there is no medical research to indicate a direct relationship to hives. Hair loss can be attributed to many conditions and you should see if any of them also have hives as a symptom or side effect as well.  Some possible causes of hair loss include:

  • Stress
  • Drug side effects
  • Iron deficiency
  • Menopause
  • Genetics
  • Aging
  • Allergic reaction to something put into the hair
  • Hair style

 

Look For a Link to Both Urticaria, Hair Loss

 

If you look at the general list above, it is known that stress, drug side effects, and allergic reactions can cause hives. Hair loss occurs with all of these so it seems a logical place to start would be with the most common condition that causes hives, hair loss, or both and that would be anxiety or stress.

Stress is so prevalent in modern society that hardly anybody is immune from it. It is also one of the most common triggers of hives. Hair loss to be concerned with is difficult to define and is relative. 50 to 100 hairs lost in a day is not all that unusual. Control your stress and see if the problem with hives disappears. If it does, you should be relieved and, quite frankly, quit worrying about your hair loss.

 

Have You Changed Your Hair Style or Color Lately?

 

Allergic reactions to hair dyes, permanent solutions, or any of the other myriad of hair care products available is very common. And one of those reactions is hives. Hair loss can also be caused by some solutions put into the hair, but it will be temporary.

Sometimes a new hair style that pulls the hair tightly in any one place could cause what is known as pressure urticaria. Hair loss from tight buns or pony tails is not unusual either so this is another possible cause.

 

Have You Started Taking a New Medication?

 

Cancer fighting drugs are known to cause urticaria, hair loss, vomiting, nausea, and many other side effects. But if you are fighting cancer, hair loss and hives are, frankly, the least of your concerns.

Some anti-acne drugs like Isotretinoin, can cause hives, hair loss and other unwelcome rashes.

You should know that the two conditions – hives, hair loss, are not directly related. So a little detective work is in order if these two problems are causing you concern.  Look for common causes. The good news is that hives are very difficult to find a cause for and if you can correlate hives with hair loss you may have narrowed down the list of possible causes for your particular type of hives.  Hair loss, if it continues over many years, is more likely age-related or genetic and there is not much to be done for it.


Serum Sickness Can Cause Hives And Swollen Joints Along With Other Symptoms

Cases of hives often go undiagnosed as to the cause, but hives and swollen joints in combination should lead you to investigate the possibility of Serum sickness as a cause. Serum sickness is not a well known response but could explain hives and swollen joints occurring at the same time. While a number of other allergic reactions could also explain the hives, swollen joints is kind of a wild card that can help you narrow it down.

 

What is Serum Sickness?

 

Serum sickness is an allergic-like reaction to injected proteins used to treat immune conditions. The injected proteins, or antiserum, are the liquid part of the blood that has antibodies in it to help protect against infections or even poisons.

The clear fluid portion of the blood is called plasma. It doesn’t contain any blood cells, but does contain proteins including antibodies. Antiserum is produced from this plasma and there are many types of antiserums produced for different reasons. Well known antiserum injections are those given for exposure to tetanus and rabies. But that is far from a complete list.

Serum sickness is defined as a false immune system response to the proteins in this plasma. The immune system attacks the antiserum and causes hives and swollen joints, inflammation, and other symptoms. The immune system is indeed a complex and marvelous system but when it goes “rogue” it can cause real problems – some severe. In essence, it attacks the body from within.

 

Can Other Types of Medication Cause Serum Sickness?

 

Some medications can cause similar reactions, like fever, rash, hives, and swollen joints.  But it is not exactly the same. These medications will trigger a response in fairly short order.  On the other hand, serum sickness usually develops one to three weeks after the first injection. Medications that mimic serum sickness symptoms include penicillin, cefaclor, and sulfa.

Some injected proteins like antithymocyte globulin and rituximab which are used to combat transplant rejection and immune disorders can also cause the hives and swollen joints associated with serum sickness.

Finally, some blood products can cause serum sickness as well.

 

How is it Diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis will depend mostly on seeing blood and proteins in the urine and immune complexes in the blood. Blood vessel inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes are also common.


With Idiopathic Hives, Tingling Sensation Is Common

In over half of all cases of hives, the description idiopathic is used. The term is used to mean that the cause is undetermined. With most hives tingling, burning, itching, slight swelling and discoloration of the skin are common symptoms. But the commonality of the symptoms only makes determining the cause more difficult.

Many people think they know what is bringing on the hives, but the fact is the cause is never found in the majority of the cases.

 

Is There Any One Condition That Causes Hives, Tingling Sensations As A Constant Symptom?

 

The short answer is yes, but it is rare. Lupus will consistently cause hives, tingling of a persistent nature in the arms and legs, and other symptoms. If you have chronic hives, tingling in the arms and legs that won’t go away, and don’t know the cause, it is worthwhile to eliminate Lupus as a cause so you can go on to discover the real culprit. And of course if Lupus is the cause you will want to begin treating it as soon as you can. It should be emphasized again here that it is rare but it is the only condition that presents the two symptoms of hives, tingling in the arms and legs as a consistent combination.

 

What Are The Other Symptoms Of Lupus?

 

No two cases of Lupus are the same, but the most common are listed below:

  • Joint pain
  • Joint stiffness and swelling
  • A butterfly-shaped rash on the face covering the bridge of the nose and both cheeks
  • Fever and fatigue
  • Skin lesions that get worse with exposure to the sun
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Memory loss, confusion, headaches
  • Persistent hives, tingling in the arms and legs

 

What Other Conditions Could Be The Cause Of Both Hives And Tingling?

 

Many cases of hives will itch and tingle and the cause will never be found. Some allergic reactions will result in both, but chronic hives is generally a function of something gone wrong with the immune system.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that will cause numbness, burning, dry skin, itching, hives, tingling, and most bothersome of all fatigue and pain. The pain is all over the body and the fatigue is much generalized. Fibromyalgia is as difficult to diagnose as chronic hives but could be the cause of both the hives and the tingling.  It is usually diagnosed by excluding almost everything else.

In the meantime, until and unless you find the cause of the hives, tingling, and burning, all you can really do is treat the symptoms which are typically done with an antihistamine like Benadryl. Topical creams or ointments may help with the hives but will not help at all with the tingling. You may just have to let time pass.  Hives bother some people for years with the cause never being found. There are some alternative medicine regimens that have been effective that target the health of the immune system. Some research into some of these could prove beneficial.


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