Q: My hives just won't go away. Is it possible my diet may be the cause?

A: Chronic hives, or chronic urticaria, can certainly be frustrating for patients and their families. Understandably, many folks wonder whether their diet might be to blame. While it's true that some people experience hives as part of a true food allergy, for the majority of adults with recurring hives, food is not the culprit.

That said, if you do suspect that something in your diet might be triggering your symptoms, I recommend keeping a detailed food and symptom diary. Write down everything you eat and note when your hives occur. Sometimes, careful tracking like this can reveal patterns that are otherwise easy to overlook and can help guide you and your physician if you want to try a simple elimination diet.

An elimination diet simply means avoiding foods you suspect might be playing a role. If you're only avoiding one or two items, it's generally safe to try this on your own for a short period, but if you think multiple foods may be involved, it's important to work with a health care professional. You want to make sure you're not missing out on essential nutrients in the process.

It's also important to remember that, more often than not, hives are not related to what you're eating. Underlying causes can range from medications and chronic infections to stress or even, on occasion, autoimmune issues. That's why I encourage anyone with ongoing hives to seek a thorough medical evaluation. Often, this involves a detailed history and, in some cases, additional tests to rule out other concerns.

Although hives can be tough to pin down, the good news is that they're usually very manageable and can be controlled with the right treatment plan. If they're affecting your quality of life or just won't seem to go away, consult a physician.

Dr. Curt Chaffin is an allergy specialist with the Allergy & Asthma Group of Galen and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.