Types of Urticaria:

1. Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks and is often triggered by foods, medications, infections, or insect stings.
2. 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:

1. Avoidance of Triggers: Identifying and avoiding known triggers.
2. 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.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Wearing loose clothing, avoiding hot showers, and using gentle skin care products.
4. Emergency Treatment: For severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), immediate medical attention is required, often involving epinephrin