How do I know if I have cholinergic urticaria or a histamine intolerance?
About a year ago, I discovered this site. I was so happy to find I was not alone, but unhappy that I could not post content at the time (so thank you for fixing that). But I also discovered histamine intolerance, and I’m confused about which I might have.
Both have hives as symptoms, especially triggered by heat, stress, emotion, etc. Both are affected by the foods we tolerate as individuals. But the only differences I might find is that histamine intolerance (or other mast cell disorders) includes a lot more symptoms.
A few of them I have suffered (hair loss starting around age 20, tinnitus, throat swelling, occasional migraines, unexplained bouts of weakness, etc)–but could these also be symptoms of cholinergic urticaria?
I must say I do have severe allergies on top of all this. But I’d like to know if I have one or the other so I can begin the proper diet.
-Jenna
Hivesguy says
March 22, 2014 at 12:26 pmHello, Jenna.
Only a doctor who is knowledgeable in both conditions could diagnose you (I can’t). Unfortunately, the average doctor probably isn’t familiar with either of those.
If your symptoms match with cholinergic urticaria and you form visible hives (or at least, an itchy, prickly sensation) each time you get hot, eat spicy foods, or engage in physical activities, you might have cholinergic urticaria.
Of course, it is always possible for you to have both cholinergic urticaria and a histamine intolerance, as the conditions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, cholinergic urticaria often occurs alongside other allergic conditions.
Given your other symptoms, I’d suspect that you have at least some issue with food allergies/intolerances. That was what was true in my own case, and I talk about that in both the new book I just wrote, as well as some on my website here (you’re welcome to read my diet articles for more information, although some are a bit outdated).
Ultimately, I’d recommend you consult with a nutritional expert before beginning any diet, but why not begin trying different diets to see what helps once your doctor gives you the green light? If one diet doesn’t work, perhaps you should try another. The worse case scenario is that the diet won’t help, and at least you’ll know for sure.