Immunologic problems are another possible cause of chronic sinusitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused by exposure to various organic dusts, such as bird droppings, contaminated grain and feathers. Symptoms include fever, wheezing, chills and shortness of breath. Itching, sometimes intense, can lead to scabbing and flaking lesions. If bacterial or viral infection is introduced by scratching, the affected lesions ooze.
Hives are red, very itchy, swollen areas of the skin, often appearing in clusters.
Hives appear suddenly and may leave quickly in one to two hours, or can last as long as 24 hours. Approximately 20 percent of the population has suffered an eruption of hives at some point. They occur frequently in children, who often outgrow them after age three. Food intolerance, or an adverse reaction to certain foods, can cause bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and is often mistaken for allergy. PAMF allergists can help both the allergic and the food-intolerant patient.