I went to see the Allergist again today, because now that the hives have been gone for a few months, I wanted to ask her about testing me for some food allergies that I have been highly suspicious of. I brought my list with me, all foods that have caused my mouth short-lived, mild "itching" when I eat them in raw format: walnuts, peaches, melons, apples, pears, avocados, bananas, carrots, figs, kiwi, nectarines, plums.
My allergist looked at the list, and said that because I tested positive for Tree and Grass pollen allergies this past summer, that would explain my "oral" allergies to these foods. They call it Oral Allergy Syndrome or Pollen-Food Syndrome. I confirmed that most of those foods, I don't have an issue with them if they are cooked.
You can read more about OAS on Wikipedia; the information here closely resemble the handout that my allergist gave to me: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_allergy_syndrome
She did a skin scratch test on me for nuts -- she was very concerned about walnuts causing my mouth to itch. The skin test showed a positive for pistachios and almonds, though not walnuts -- but since they are all "tree nuts" she said she wants me to carry an EpiPen now. Ugh!! She said it is a last resort just-in-case thing to have in case my allergy decides to go from mild to severe one day, better to have it than not. Wonderful.
I asked her again if these foods and the pollens of summer and fall could have been to blame for my chronic hives. She said she didn't think so, still. But that if I was eating those foods regularly, and raw, than that could be a factor in creating or causing the chronic hives. I was eating a lot of raw apples during that time. Almost on a daily basis. But based on what I have read, that would have led to hives more localized to the face vs. my hands, wrists, armpits and waistband/pantyline areas.
I have mixed feelings about carrying the EpiPen now. I would hope that I don't ever panic about food and misinterpret the panic attack symptoms as being allergic reactions! That would not be good!
Interestingly, I got a few short-lived hives after the allergy test today, and even after I took an antihistamine (allegra) immediately following the appointment. One on each hand and one on my neck. But they faded rather quickly.
Other than this appointment, I have remained hives-free since late November/early December. So at least a solid 2 months now. I am still getting the red "flushing" from the hot showers, but I have pretty much stopped caring about that. It fades quickly enough and it is nicer to enjoy a hot vs. cool-lukewarm shower in the winter anyway! :)
