text: what will cause hives and lip and eye swelling besides allergic reactions? i have been suffering with hives since last january i also have swelling of my lips and eyes.  i have been to a specialist who says i am not allergic to any thing that he can find.  i feel flushed alot have itchy hands and sometimes suffer from extreme anal itch.  my bowel movements have increased and i have acid reflux sometimes.  i have gained a few extra pounds and my breathing seems heavy at times.  i am constantly tired and i stay hot.  i have been to the doctor and the emergency room numerous times and all they do is prescribe me with short term steroids and a allergy medication similar to benadryl.  i feel as though i am going crazy, i cannot find a specific pattern with my sweling or hives or a specific culprit.  my insides seem to burn alot but this could be nerves because of frustration with my problem.  help  i am going crazy people should not have to live like this although their doctors tell them they have to. i would recommend that you find a different allergist.  hives are an allergic reaction, just because your allergist can't find it, doesn't make it not so.