Chronic Urticaria – From Diagnose to Treatment
Abstract
Around 20% of the population suffers at least one urticaria episode, with 0.5 to 1% suffering from chronic urticaria. This disease has a mean duration of 1 to 5 years, and it has a higher incidence in women between 20 and 40 years old. Due to the publication in 2014 of the European guidelines for the management of urticaria, the authors performed a revision covering different aspects of chronic urticaria. Chronic urticaria is manly driven by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from mast cells. It is characterized by the daily or almost daily appearance of transient itchy wheals and/or angioedema for more than 6 consecutive weeks. It is classified as either chronic spontaneous or inducible urticaria. Complementary diagnostic tests based on clinical history are recommended. An evidence-based symptomatic treatment includes as 1st line non-sedating 2nd generation anti- -histamines H1, which can be up dosed up to 4 times. Omalizumab and cyclosporine are 3rd line therapeutic options. Due to the highly negative impact on patients’ quality of life together with the costs associated with this disease, it is highly important to raise awareness within the medical community. A correct and early diagnosis, along with the appropriate and timely referral to specialized centers has the main purpose of total symptom control in the safest possible way.
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References
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