Persistent Hives: Seeking Answers
I’m a 28-year-old woman grappling with an alarming health issue. Recently, I visited both my doctor and the emergency room due to excruciating hives, along with significant swelling in my lips and tongue. They administered Benadryl, prednisone, and provided me with an epinephrine auto-injector. The physician suspects that I may be allergic to benzonatate, which I haven’t taken in five days. I was prescribed a new course of prednisone and advised to purchase Pepcid and Benadryl to take four times a day, along with a daily dose of prednisone. Unfortunately, my hives continue to return, now appearing even more intense, although thankfully the swelling in my mouth has subsided. This morning, however, I awoke to find my hands and feet bright red, severely swollen, and feeling unbearably hot. After taking Benadryl and Pepcid with no noticeable improvement—in fact, my condition worsened—I returned to the ER. They administered Benadryl through IV, Pepcid, and another antihistamine. Despite four hours of waiting, I was discharged without any relief, as the medical staff could not determine an effective treatment and deemed my situation non-emergency since my breathing was normal. They recommended I reach out to my primary care provider, which I did, and I have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow. Has anyone else faced a similar experience? What solutions have you found helpful in managing this condition?
Answers (1)
3/2/2026, 1:20:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent hives and accompanying swelling can be very distressing, and it’s understandable that you’re seeking answers and support. Hives (urticaria) can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, stress, or underlying health issues. Given your treatment history and ongoing symptoms, it's essential to focus on strategies to manage the situation effectively while awaiting further medical guidance.
Understanding Your Situation
You mention that your symptoms included severe hives and lip/tongue swelling, which can indicate an allergic reaction. Although the swelling has subsided, the persistent hives and new swelling in your hands and feet suggest that there may be an ongoing allergic response or another trigger at play. Since you’ve been prescribed medications like Benadryl and prednisone, these are typically used to reduce the inflammatory response, but they might not be addressing your specific underlying cause yet.
Immediate Focus: Symptom Management
Here are some prioritized steps you can take to manage your symptoms effectively:
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Continue Current Medications: Follow the dosage and schedule provided for Benadryl, Pepcid, and prednisone. Consistency is key, and these medications work together to reduce the allergic response and inflammation.
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Ice Packs for Swelling: Applying cold compresses or ice packs to swollen areas (like your hands and feet) can help reduce inflammation and provide relief. Keep the ice wrapped in a cloth to protect your skin and apply for 15-20 minutes at a time.
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Avoid Triggers: It may be helpful to keep a detailed record of when your hives flare up. Note any foods, medications (like benzonatate), stressors, or environmental factors that coincide with your symptoms. This log can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
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Identify Alternative Antihistamines: If Benadryl hasn’t been effective, discuss other antihistamines or treatments with your doctor during your next appointment. Sometimes, non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) may be more effective for chronic urticaria.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are well-hydrated and get adequate rest. Some patients find that reducing stress and getting enough sleep helps manage their symptoms.
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Emergency Plan: Given your history of severe reactions, ensure you have access to your epinephrine auto-injector and know how to use it. Always keep it with you, particularly during times when you might be exposed to potential allergens.
Next Steps
- Follow-Up Appointment: Be prepared for your appointment tomorrow. Discuss all your symptoms, your current treatment regime, and any patterns you have noticed regarding your flare-ups.
- Explore Referral Options: Ask about seeing an allergist or dermatologist specialized in chronic hives or skin conditions, as they may provide advanced treatments or testing to identify triggers.
Your situation can be complex, but with your proactive approach to managing symptoms and collaborating with your healthcare provider, you can work towards finding solutions that improve your quality of life. If symptoms worsen or new ones arise (like difficulty breathing or severe swelling), seek emergency care immediately. You are not alone in this, and there are resources and treatments available to help you.
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