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What Causes Severe Hives, Wheezing, Breathlessness And Excess Phlegm In The Throat?

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Posted on Fri, 22 Sep 2017
Question: Hello, I traveled to Las Angeles about 3 weeks ago. I broke out into hives and I was also having a wheezing sensation. Trouble breathing all the way in. It would come and go. Not worse at night. My first breakout of hives was pretty bad for about 4-5 days. Then it would come and go. The hives have been around for 3 weeks. I don't get them as bad as I did. They are not too itchy. And, they clear up pretty quickly with Benedryl. But, they occur daily or every other day. The breathing got better and tonight the wheezing feeling is back. I have no idea what is going on?! I'm worried that the hives are not going away and I've never had these issues before. Never had this breathing problem before. I'm 18. I've had Croup many times and had breathing issues, but nothing like this. And, I do have seasonal allergies.

Also, another symptom is that I have an abundance of phlegm. I feel like I have to clear my throat constantly and spit up mucus. I have the feeling that I can't clear my throat.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of allergic reaction is more likely.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description, possibility of allergic reaction is more likely.
Skin hives are classical symptom of allergy.
Allergy also causes bronchospasm and this can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and phlegm.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
Oral combination of antihistamine (levocetrizine or fexofenadine) and anti allergic (montelukast) should be started once daily at night time for 10 days.
Inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone) are the treatment of choice for bronchitispasm.
Apply steroid cream (mometasone) on hives for faster relief.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (20 minutes later)
Thank you for your insight. What confuses me is that I've never had this before? This did start in Las Angeles. Maybe it was a chemical I was exposed to? Or something on the sheets?

Can an allergic reaction last for 3 weeks even after I'm not exposed to it anymore? I just started at UVA. These symptoms started in Los Angeles and they still persist in Charlottesville, VA where I'm in school. These are two very different environments. I eat the same foods as I normally do.

My main question is whether an allergic reaction can last this long from the original exposure? Or do you think it's something in my current environment?Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Both possibilities are there.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Sometimes allergy can take longer time to appear as well as disappear.
Another possibility is also valid. There might be something in the environment which is triggering ongoing allergy.
So please let me know
1. Do you have any history of allergy?
2. Do you have any family history of allergy?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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What Causes Severe Hives, Wheezing, Breathlessness And Excess Phlegm In The Throat?

Brief Answer: Possibility of allergic reaction is more likely. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. By your history and description, possibility of allergic reaction is more likely. Skin hives are classical symptom of allergy. Allergy also causes bronchospasm and this can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and phlegm. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). Oral combination of antihistamine (levocetrizine or fexofenadine) and anti allergic (montelukast) should be started once daily at night time for 10 days. Inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone) are the treatment of choice for bronchitispasm. Apply steroid cream (mometasone) on hives for faster relief. Don't worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.