Lillie,

Are you sure you're not having an allergic reaction to something?

There is a severe, and potentially fatal, form of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Hives and swelling of the throat are two of the possible symptoms.

Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Blueness of the skin (cyanosis), including the lips or nail beds
• Fainting, light-headedness , dizziness
• Hives and generalized itching
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Skin redness

In the case of anaphylaxis, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Motrin is not going to help. The only effective medication for anaphylaxis is a shot of epinephrine.

Talk to your doctor about these hives and throat swelling. When do they occur? How often? How long do they last? What other symptoms do you have? Does the Motrin help? Your doctor should help you figure out just what's wrong and suggest a proper treatment for you to try.