Urticaria
Asthma / Allergy Specialist / Lung & Respiratory Specialist
Expert Care for Urticaria
At Dr. S Z Jafrey Indore Chest & Allergy Center, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of allergic conditions, including Urticaria. Our experienced team offers personalized care to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Understanding Urticaria
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. These welts can vary in size and shape and may come and go over time.
Symptoms of Urticaria:
- Red or skin-colored welts (hives)
- Itching, which may be severe
- Swelling (angioedema), particularly around the eyes, lips, hands, and feet
- Painful swelling in severe cases
Types of Urticaria:
- Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks and is often triggered by foods, medications, infections, or insect stings.
- Chronic Urticaria: Persists for more than six weeks, and the cause is often more difficult to identify.
Causes and Triggers
Urticaria occurs when certain cells in the skin release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. Common triggers include:
- Certain foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs)
- Medications (e.g., antibiotics, aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Infections (e.g., common cold, strep throat)
- Insect bites or stings
- Physical stimuli (e.g., pressure, temperature extremes, sunlight)
- Stress
Diagnosis and Treatment
At Dr. S Z Jafrey Indore Chest & Allergy Center, we use a thorough approach to diagnose and treat urticaria, ensuring relief and preventing recurrence.
Diagnostic Process:
- Patient History: Detailed discussion of symptoms, triggers, and medical history.
- Physical Examination: Examination of the skin and welts.
- Allergy Testing: Skin tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens.
- Other Tests: Blood tests, urine tests, or imaging studies to rule out underlying conditions.
Treatment Options:
- Avoidance of Triggers: Identifying and avoiding known triggers.
- Medications:
- Antihistamines: To reduce itching and swelling.
- Corticosteroids: For severe cases to reduce inflammation.
- H2 Blockers: To help relieve severe symptoms.
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: For cases resistant to antihistamines.
- Biologic Drugs: Omalizumab for chronic idiopathic urticaria.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Wearing loose clothing, avoiding hot showers, and using gentle skin care products.
- Emergency Treatment: For severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), immediate medical attention is required, often involving epinephrin
