Final answer:
Systemic hives should be a cause for concern as they may indicate a widespread allergic response, potentially leading to anaphylaxis—a severe, life-threatening condition. Such responses involve increased histamine release, affecting capillary permeability, and could rapidly escalate to systemic shock necessitating prompt medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urticaria, another name for hives, is a type I hypersensitivity reaction that frequently denotes an allergic reaction. In order to cause a localized reaction that involves the release of histamine and other mediators, allergists perform skin tests in which they inject allergen extracts into the epidermis. Redness and swelling are the result of increased blood flow and capillary permeability caused by this reaction, which is characterized by a wheal and flare response.
Because systemic hives may indicate a widespread allergic reaction, potentially leading to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, they can be especially concerning. In addition to causing localized swelling and redness, anaphylaxis can result in potentially fatal symptoms like a sharp decrease in blood pressure, throat swelling, and airway obstruction. The fact that hives are systemic should be taken seriously because it suggests a widespread immune reaction that could impact several bodily systems and possibly result in systemic anaphylactic shock.
Systemic hives should be treated promptly due to their potential severity and the role histamine plays in changing capillary permeability to increase fluid in tissues, which can lead to edema. Understanding and identifying the signs of a severe allergic reaction can help you take prompt action to prevent problems.