All About Urticaria and Angioedema
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a disorder affecting up to 20% of the population at some point in their lives. The swelling that sometimes accompanies urticaria, called "angioedema," can lead to swelling of the face, hands and feet. Hives usually feel very itchy and burning (although angioedema is often painful) or cause a tingling sensation — and these symptoms often make people miserable.While people who suffer from hives are not alone, this isn’t much of a comfort to them when their lives are consumed with not knowing why they have their symptoms. Hives can literally turn a person’s life upside down: They’re uncomfortable. One often doesn’t know what’s causing their rash, why they can’t sleep and why they don’t want to leave their homes or go to work — all of this can lead to emotional distress. Yet, hives are often easily treated with medications.
In my allergy clinic, I see people every day who suffer from hives. Some people have had symptoms for a few days; others have had symptoms for decades, and yet, each and every one of them is extremely bothered by their symptoms. Through a proper evaluation and treatment plan, almost all people who suffer from hives can achieve good control of their symptoms, but may not be able to be cured.
Learn more about the basics of urticaria and angioedema.
What Causes Urticaria and Angioedema?
Just about every patient I see has some suspicion of what could be causing their hives. Most are concerned with some type of food allergy, some think that a medication or environmental trigger (such as an odor or chemical) is the cause, while others are concerned with a physical trigger, such as heat or cold. While any of the above triggers are possible, the most common cause of acute hives (those lasting less than 6 weeks) are viral infections (such as the common cold), and the most common cause of chronic hives (those lasting greater than 6 weeks) are autoimmune causes.Learn more about what causes urticaria and angioedema.
Physical Urticarias
Physical causes for urticaria occur in up to 20% of people with chronic hives. These physical triggers include pressure (called "dermatographism"), heat (called "cholinergic"), cold, sunlight (solar urticaria) and exercise (exercise-induced anaphylaxis). Each one of these forms of physical urticaria has unique features that warrant special consideration.Learn more about each form of physical urticaria:
- Dermatographism (hives caused by pressure)
- Cholinergic Urticaria (hives caused by heat and sweating)
- Cold Urticaria
- Solar Urticaria (hives caused by sunlight)
- Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (hives caused by exercise)
Treatment of Urticaria
Most often, a cause of hives cannot be found. In these cases, medications are used to control symptoms. Antihistamines, taken by mouth, are the medications of choice for the treatment and prevention of hives. Corticosteroids are often given to people with hives as well, but caution should be used if these medications are to be used long term, given the side effects of corticosteroids.Learn about the best ways to treat hives.
Source:
Practice Parameters for Disease Management: Acute and Chronic Urticaria and Angioedema. Ann Allergy. 2000; 85: S525-44.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
