DEAR DR. GOTT: Last fall, I developed sporadic itching that turned into hives. After that, I felt ill with a sore throat, general weakness and fatigue after very little exercise. I read about a ragweed allergy and its relationship to certain foods. I eliminated them and feel better. Could these hives be related to allergies and food combinations? Is the sore throat and lethargy related to an allergy?
DEAR READER: Maybe. Ragweed allergy, commonly known as hay fever, presents with itchy eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and fatigue but not generally hives. Food triggers include sunflower seeds, chamomile, cantaloupe, bananas and some honeys. The most common treatments for hay fever include remaining indoors when the pollen count is high, taking antihistamines and allergy shots. My guess, however, is that you have a true allergy, which is best treated with total avoidance once the offending substance is identified. Good luck.
