Could I be allergic to everything?

[saadia]

Have been allergic to something for almost a year and have been taking anti-histamine. As I have a hospital appt this week I have been told to stop taking the meds for four days before the appt. So, my symptoms are back - swollen lips, eyes, hives etc. it seems to be continuous. Am tying to avoid wheat and milk and it has subsided but then there are still episodes of swollen fingers, itching and swollen lips. Is it possible to be suddenly allergic to lots of different things?

[flamingtoaster]

Yes it is possible to suddenly become allergic to more than one thing. My son suddenly developed an allergy to both gluten and milk (swollen eyes, lips, hands rash etc.) and shortly after began reacting to egg (though that was more at the intolerance level rather than spectacular allergic reaction as it caused digestive upset rather than swelling etc.). The allergy tests at the hospital should highlight what you are allergic to and should avoid. Even when doing that you should keep a food diary for a while in case they have not tested for something which you are allergic to as obviously they cannot test for everything. This would help you quickly identify anything you need to avoid. If you are reacting to lots of things it could be oral allergy syndrome: www.allergyuk.org/oral-allergy-syndrome/oral-allergy-syndrome Hope the hospital can identify your problem substances and you feel much better soon.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

It's also possible to be one allergic to yourself.

Does it coincide or get worse around your periods?

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Become

[saadia]

Thank you for that information and link flamingtoaster, it is helpful. I hope your ds is managing ok.

[saadia]

That sound alarming Giles (although it didj occur to me) don't seem to be really affected by periods.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Sorry didn't mean to alarm you. I saw a tv show once where a woman had become allergic to her own hormones or something

[saadia]

It's ok Giles , good to explore all the possibilities. Hopefully the tests will be able to shed some light.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

There's always your detergent or shampoo , hand cream etc.

Even ones you have used for years can suddenly change in formulation without you knowing

[eragon]

any pain meds taken regularly?

have you asked for a referral to an allergy clinic?

[saadia]

Yes Giles, I also wonder if it might be the clothes detergent or shower gel. The thing is it seems to come every other day so if it was those things I thought it might be more continuous.

eragon, not taking any pain meds. I was taking iron supplements due to anaemia but stopped because I thought it might be that. I finally have an appt at an allergy clinic this week thank goodness.