Hives, itching, tightness of the chest and respiratory distress may be signs and symptoms of

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (A)

Hives and itching along with tightness of the chest and respiratory distress point to a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. When the body encounters an allergen, immune cells release mediators like histamine that cause widespread effects: hives and itching from skin involvement, swelling and airway edema, and bronchoconstriction that narrows the airways, producing chest tightness and trouble breathing. This combination signals a rapid, systemic process that can progress quickly to life-threatening airway or circulation problems, so it requires urgent medical attention.

Other conditions don’t fit this pattern as well. Hypertension is high blood pressure and doesn’t typically present with hives and urgent breathing difficulties. Hypoglycemia usually causes shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness rather than widespread hives with chest tightness. Arrhythmia affects heart rhythm and may cause chest discomfort or palpitations, but it doesn’t usually produce the simultaneous allergic skin symptoms seen with anaphylaxis.