Cholinergic Urticaria

Had outbreaks of cholinergic urticaria for the past year and a half – just had a severe outbreak

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So a year a half ago I started a more intense exercise regime. I am 30 now. A couple of months into exercising I had my first reaction; became very itchy at the end of exercise and it continued for an hour where my body felt like it was on fire and I broke out in hives.

I went to the doctor, who said it was probably from physical stress and not to worry about it. This happens approximately once every month or two, and always happens after exercise. Since I exercise 5 times per week I don’t feel it’s very frequent. One time it happened in the winter when I was sweating in warm clothes while outside, but was not severe.

When I feel the outbreak coming on (through itching and usually a couple of hives around my face or neck) I get into a shower and lay with bare skin until it goes away, usually takes approx. 1 hour. One hour of what I would assume to be similar to living in hell. This evening I was jumping on a trampoline pretty vigorously and it was 25 degrees Celsius outside. I was in the shade though. Within 15 minutes I began feeling very itchy so went in for a cool shower. This time my eyelids and ears were also swollen.

I laid down and when I got up to try to get a drink of water (I thought it may help), I felt extremely dizzy and thought I was going to faint. It was a scary experience. It has been 3 hours since the beginning of the attack and I am still a little hot, ears are still a little swollen, but the itch has been gone for a while. I’m definitely going to the doctor for further testing but I’m pretty sure this is what I have, and I am not into loading up on medications if I don’t have to.

So, I begin on this forum to learn from others who are experienced in dealing with these outbreaks. Since I’ve started reacting to exercise in this way, I have talked to others about it and only one person said that they have an acquaintance that was dealing with the same issues. Any tips or glimpses to hope (I’ve read many articles saying this condition frequently does go away spontaneously). Oh – I have also noticed that since the outbreak tonight my hands are “falling asleep” really fast. Anyways, I’d love to hear any of your stories or opinions/tips, or just to know others are in the same boat, haha.

Thanks!!

Comments

  1. You should be thankful because they only get you when you exercise. But many others (like me) they get us when we laugh, get nervous, and when there is a sudden increase in temperature. The worst one for me is when I feel nervous.. I am a college student and I have to do presentations sometimes (I always get a little nervous when I do presentations) I can deal with getting a little nervous but I can’t scratch my self in front of people!! That’s the worst feeling in the world I swear it was like hell to me.
    As for tips.. you can see an allergist.

    • Thanks for the comment:) I couldn’t imagine how that would feel. Presentations are very nerve racking, and to have to deal with that kind of reaction while doing them would be absolutely horrible. I am thankful that I don’t have it too severe, for sure. But as someone who never dealt with any allergies at all, this minor case of whatever I may have (I am not diagnosed) is rather distressing. How long have you been suffering with this for? Is your doctor hopeful that it will leave you?

  2. Welcome to the forum!

    One thing I had a question about was this: It seems like this only happens when you exercise (aside from the sweating in winter thing that you mentioned). Do you get a reaction (hives, itching, redness) when you become warm or embarrased too? Or do you only experience this reaction when you exercise or engage in physical activity?

    The reason I ask is because if you don’t feel symptoms when you become hot passively (walking into a hot buiding, etc.), then it may be that you have exercised-induced anaphylaxis/urticaria.

    One thing is for sure: I’d definitely talk to a doctor about an Epi-Pen. This can save your life if you ever have a serious reaction. I’d also be very cautious and steer clear of physical activity until you can get a grasp on what’s going on.

    I hope that helps.

    • Thanks so much for the response. I never get hives from anything other than when I exercise (except that one time in the winter). I have exercised since that outbreak and no more outbreaks. Also, right before I exercised the night with the severe outbreak, I ate a large amount of jalapeños, and I’ve read on here that spicy foods trigger these reactions. Yes I am going to search for a good doctor. I have just moved provinces (from pei to Nova Scotia) so don’t have a doctor here yet. I will definitely bring up your opinions to the doctor as well and hope they can assist in finding a diagnosis:)

      Sincerely,
      Robyn