urticaria

Swollen, pale-centered or red bumps (wheals) that itch and can join into larger patches. Each one usually fades within a day while new ones appear. They come from the release of histamine in the skin, often in an allergic reaction to a drug, food, insect sting or latex, and sometimes with infections, heat, cold or pressure. With swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing, they can be part of anaphylaxisanaphylaxisan-uh-fuh-LAK-sisA sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.ana- away, against-phylaxis protectionFull entry Close.

If hives appear during a drug infusion or a blood transfusion, stop it, stay with the client, check the airway and vital signs and report at once. Teach the client to avoid the trigger and record it as an allergyallergyAL-er-jeeA reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.Full entry Close.