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Overview
Urticaria is a predominantly mast cell-driven disease characterized by
the appearance of wheals (hives) and/or angioedema, as defined in the Introduction section.
Urticaria can occur at any age and affects 1% of the global population,
with increased incidence noted in atopic patients. A detailed discussion about
the prevalence of urticaria is in the Epidemiology
section.
The Pathophysiology section discusses in detail the involvement
of mast cells and basophil activation leading to the release of vasoactive
mediators (eg histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins) and localized capillary
vasodilation. The development process of urticaria is in this section.
Different types of urticaria are enumerated and
discussed in the Classification
section. While discussion on the specific causes of acute and chronic urticaria
is in the Etiology section.
Urticaria_Disease SummaryHistory and Physical Examination
The Clinical Presentation section describes the clinical features in the diagnosis of urticaria based on the patient’s History and Physical Examination.
Diagnosis
Routine lab testing is not indicated but may be considered
in some patients with urticaria and is further discussed in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section. Disease
activity assessments are included in this section.
Other diseases that can present with the same symptoms as urticaria
are listed in the Differential Diagnosis
section.
Management
General therapy principles and management of urticaria are
in the Principles of Therapy
section.
The Pharmacological
Therapy section discusses in detail the different therapeutic
options in the management of urticaria.
The Nonpharmacological
section emphasizes the importance of patient education and avoidance of
aggravating factors in the management of urticaria. Detailed discussion of
these measures is in this section.
The Monitoring
section includes assessment of disease activity and control in patients with
urticaria.
