CONDITIONS WE TREAT
FINDING ANSWERS
A Thoughtful Evaluation
✅ Detailed symptom and exposure history
✅ Targeted allergy testing when indicated
✅ Screening labs for chronic hives
✅ Evaluation of recurrent swelling
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about hives, swelling, chronic urticaria, and treatment options in Forest Hills, Queens.
Chronic hives can be frustrating, but effective treatment is available. Dr. Katayeva will help you understand your symptoms and find a plan that brings lasting relief.
Hives (urticaria) are itchy, raised welts on the skin that can appear suddenly, change shape, and move around the body. Individual hives usually fade within 24 hours.
Angioedema is swelling in the deeper layers of the skin, often affecting the lips, eyelids, face, hands, or feet. It can occur with or without hives.
Acute hives may be triggered by foods, medications, insect stings, or infections. Chronic hives, lasting more than 6 weeks, often have no single identifiable external trigger.
Most chronic hives are not caused by an allergy to a specific food or substance. They are often related to immune system activity within the body, which is why a thoughtful evaluation is important.
Treatment usually begins with daily non-drowsy antihistamines, often at adjusted doses. For hives that do not respond, biologic therapy may be an effective option.
Call 911 immediately if swelling affects your tongue or throat, or if you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or feel faint.
Testing depends on your history. Some patients benefit from targeted allergy testing or screening labs, while extensive testing is often not necessary for chronic hives.