Is it possible to be allergic to adrenaline?

Question

I started having really bad allergic reactions about 2 years ago. They are not just at home either. It will happen while away from home for a week, or even if I am away from home for the day.

What happens is really bad rashes/hives (both seem to manage to appear). They completely cover my back, legs and abdomen at times. I have done logs with everything (food, perfumes, laundry detergent and such), and I have changed everything a few times, yet it is none of these. (Allergy test not really a possibility)

As I said, these started about 2 years ago. Now I have noticed that moments in which I stress, it is maximized. I worry a lot too, and it always seems to go hand in hand with these rashes and hives. It seems whenever I get scared or nervous (and sometimes happy), I am completely covered with the rashes/hives. Is it possible to have an allergy to adrenaline? It is the only thing I can think of that will fit...

Answer 1

First off, I'm sorry to hear about your problem with these hives! Getting to the bottom of any "uncommon" medical condition can be a hassel. :)

Now, where you said that you've truly exhausted all methods of narrowing down what it could be that your allergic to, it might be something completely unrelated to allergies. You've also noticed that when you're under stress or really have peaked emotions at any end of the spectrum (scared, mad, nervous, happy, etc.) that your symptoms flare up. Stress and intense emotions (even positive ones, like happiness) are right up there with allergens on the list of things that causes hives. The same thing happens to people with eczema (only the eczema stays for weeks to months, and the hives will dissipate quickly); with an emotional flare-up also comes a rash flare-up.

If this is the case, and there isn't some super-allergen out there that's evading you, your theory was actually pretty accurate. You said that first comes a strong emotion, then an adrenaline rush, then the hives. Which is all true, but really an allergy to adrenaline could not be what is causing the hives; excess hormones produced for extended periods of time (such as, adrenaline, cortisol) can cause the excess hormones to mimic the defensive action of antibodies in your cells, creating a large release of histamine in the skin. And histamine is what causes hives. Stress simply triggers hives, just like it would cause a person to sweat, or for their heart to beat faster. (Anyway, a person can't be allergic to adrenaline because adrenaline is naturally in the body anyway.)

One more thing to look at would be, when you're having these hives, do you have any other allergic symtoms? Itchy eyes, red eyes, runny nose, things like that? If NOT, that's another reason to start exploring that these hives may not be from an allergy after all. There's really no way to tell unless you got an allergy test (even still, it could be some allergen that's not on the list), and then maybe look into getting an opinion from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. I know how no one likes to admit they're going to one of them, but it's really common and it's not like you'd be going for a "mental problem." It would be to help you cope with stress, and not because you have more stress than most people, just because your body responds to it in a different way than most people, and it's bothersome (the hives are). You know what I mean?

They may even try giving you a fast-acting antianxiety pill (not the antidepressants that build up in your system and you take on a daily basis, but ones that you can take AS NEEDED), and seeing if that clears up the hives.

I could be way off here, but where you sound so desperate to figure it out what's going on, it may be worth looking into! :) In any case, good luck and I hope you get some answers soon! Take care!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

No. If it were, you would be allergic to yourself because adrenaline is a substance that your body makes.

However, I seem to remember hearing about a condition where stress is a trigger for hives and other allergic reactions. I can't come up with the details right now.

Good luck finding out what's going on!

Answer 4

Please don't play doctor and answer a question if you don't know anything about the subject. I have been diagnosed with an allergy to MY OWN adrenaline. I break out in hives if I don't take Atarx to control it. The over production of adrenaline can pop-up at anytime, while I'm awake, asleep, over anything that will cause my body to think it needs to produce adrenaline. It starts out with a little itching, and turns into hives. I have never had an episode of it that was life threatening , just terrible itching.

Answer 5

Adrenaline is a natural hormone in your own body so no, you would not be allergic to it. Are you sure you dont mean something else?

Why cant you have allergy testing? Dont you think that whatever is preventing you from having the test... well.......... if you are having to change things over two years I would put the testing as something of a priority...... plus I also would suggest you talk to a counsellor to see if there are issues that need resolving.

Answer 6

Two questions:

Have you any joint pain? And have you ever been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia?

I ask because I get rashes, itchy hives and bumps all over my body at different times as well. I never really complained of it, as I just treated them and moved along. But one day I got a small cyst that popped up between my knee cap and my knee joint and it caused me great pain. So I went to the doctor and it was discovered that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (of course I had blood tests done to find this out). The RA was suspected by my doctor because my knee x-ray showed significant damage to my joint. I was also diagnosed with Fibro because of the extreme sensitivity to pressing on certain areas like my sternum or my lower back. Those areas, when pushed on, make me cry in pain. At the time of my diagnosis, I went to two specialists who counseled me through "what to expect". R.A. is an auto-immune disease and effects all tissue, including the skin. People with RA often break out in rashes, hives, itchy bumps, scaley skin, athlete's foot type of symptoms to the hands, feet, and other areas of the body. Even scoriosis of the scalp and skin can occurr. I know it's a stab in the dark, but it explained a lot of odd "health pests" for me when I was counseled. That's one idea.

Of course there's always the fact that you could just be having a physical reaction to your own internal feelings. So perhaps you can speak to the doctor about some medications to control anxiety if you are certain that you do not have what I have.

I wish you well in finding your cause!

Answer 7

You're not allergic to adrenaline, or anything else, as far as I can tell. Rashes and hives are a common symptom of stress, and you're obviously not handling it well.
You need to get yourself a referral to a good psychologist, preferably one who can teach you relaxation techniques, coping skills, as well as counsel you on the things that are bothering you. Quite possible you have an anxiety disorder. Nothing to be ashamed of - you'd be joining a very large club :)
Good luck, hon.

Answer 8

Nah! I don't think you can, adrenaline has always been present in your system and I think you would have noticed that earlier if you really did...

Answer 9

hi my name is gabriel sasson, and guess what? i have exactly the same problem, in every word i seen myself, i started 10 years ago, i have been to doctors that check food dust and everykind of surroundings to see whats happening, and it all come back to chronic urticary, which they say has no cure, i take atarax at night and benadryl syroup for allergies. if you have a better solution please tell me and vice versa i will keep you informed. my email is [e-mail]
p.s. last method i tried is homeopathy doesnt work, i am trying to find a hynotist that will help, you see this is all emotional.

Answer 10

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