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- $Unique_ID{BRK01972}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Explanation of Grant's Syndrome}
- $Subject{explain Explanation Grant grant's Syndrome syndromes itch itchy
- itching hive hives allergy allergic allergies cholinergic urticaria wheals
- urticaria skin emotion emotions emotional distress distressed exercise
- overheat overheated body food adolescence childhood boy boys girl girls attack
- attacks antihistamine antihistamines anticholinergic medication medications}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Explanation of Grant's Syndrome
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- QUESTION: I have a peculiar condition, where, for seemingly no reason at all,
- I break out in itchy hives all over my body. They stay around for an hour or
- two and then are gone. My doctor says it isn't an allergy but something he
- called "a grant". I can't find mention of this anywhere. Can you tell me
- what he means, or what I should be doing?
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- ANSWER: This question came as close to stumping me as any, but I tried to put
- myself in your shoes and hear what you heard. How about Grant's Syndrome?
- Its other name is "cholinergic urticaria" and it is used to describe a
- condition where itchy wheals or urticaria (hives is another term) break out
- on all areas of the skin. It is caused by emotional distress, after exercise,
- or when the body becomes overheated. In some cases, the taste of a food may
- bring it on. It appears for the first time in early adolescence or young
- childhood and affects boys and girls about equally. No clear explanation
- exists for the underlying mechanism, but it is not a serious situation since
- the attacks are short lived and the condition finally does resolve on its own
- after a year or two. Although usually no treatment is required, an
- antihistamine or an anticholinergic medication may help to prevent attacks or
- reduce their frequency.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-