Urticaria – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Those who have a history of respiratory and skin allergy are more likely to have hives . In cases where there is swelling of the airways, hives can become serious, as this swelling leads to edema of the glottis, causing the person to have difficulty breathing. When this occurs, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lesions caused by urticaria may or may not be localized, and are classified, according to the time of their evolution, as acute urticaria (less than six weeks) or chronic urticaria (more than six weeks).

Acute urticaria can be caused by food or drug intolerances, while the causes of chronic urticaria are much more difficult to define and can cause some consequences for the patient, such as fatigue, insomnia, social isolation, emotional and sexual difficulties. So, check out now Urticaria – Symptoms and Treatments.

Causes:  When a person has an allergic reaction , the body releases histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, which causes itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Urticariais an allergic reaction that can be triggered by several factors:

• Insect bites.
• worms.
• Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
• Pollen, dust, insecticides, etc.
• Physical agents such as cold, heat, pressure and light.
• Foods such as egg, seafood.
• Colorings, preservatives, flavorings.
• Medicines.
• Systemic diseases such as thyroid dysfunction .
• Emotional factors.

Risk factors:  You are more likely to get hives if:

• You’ve had hives before.
• Have you had or have other allergic reactions .
• You have any other problems that could be related to hives , such as lupus, lymphoma, or a thyroid condition .
• You have a family member with a history of hives or other common allergic reactions .

Symptoms of Urticaria:  The main symptom of hives is the appearance of welts on the surface of the skin . Usually welts:

• Are red and protruding
• intensely itch
• It has oval shape
• They are small, but large enough to be noticed from a considerable distance.

Seeking Medical Help:  It is possible to treat some cases of hives at home, but if symptoms persist for more than a few days, the recommendation is to seek medical help for proper guidance. Seek medical help, too, if you have trouble breathing and swallowing.

At the Medical Consultation: Among the specialties that can diagnose Urticaria are:

• Medical clinic
• Dermatology
• Allergology.

Being prepared for the appointment can facilitate diagnosis and save time. That way, you can already arrive at the query with some information:

• A list of all symptoms and how long ago they appeared
• Medical history, including other conditions the patient has and medications or supplements that the patient takes regularly.

The doctor will likely ask you a series of questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms start?
• Have the symptoms changed over time?
• The welts on your body itch, burn, or hurt
• Do you often have other allergic reactions ?
• Have you ever had hives ?
• Do you have any relatives with a history of hives or other common or similar allergic reaction?
• Do you take medication for any other health problems? Which? At what dosages?
• How is your food? Do you eat seafood?
• Do you have any other health problems? Which one?

Diagnosing Urticaria:  A physical exam is usually enough for a doctor to make the diagnosis. He will examine the patient’s body for red weltsand ask questions about his and her family’s medical history. It may happen that the doctor will order a skin and blood test to be sure that it is urticaria . Lastly, a skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

Urticaria Treatment:  Treatment may not be necessary if the hives are mild, as in these cases, it may go away on its own. However, if necessary, the doctor will prescribe some specific medications to treat hives . These include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other drugs.

If your reaction is severe, particularly if the swelling is in your throat, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) or injectable corticosteroids. An angioedema in the oropharynx (throat) can block the airway, making it difficult to breathe.

Medications to Treat Urticaria:  The most commonly used medications for treating hives are:

• Allegra.
• Asmofen.
• Betamethasone.
• Betatrint.
• Celestone.
• Cetirizine.
• Claritin.
• Claritin D.
• Desalex.
• Desloratadina.
• Dexchlorpheniramine.
• Diprospan.
• Duoflam.
• Ebastel.
• Ketotifen Fumarate.
• Ketotifen Fumarate (syrup).
• Hixizine.
• Loratadine.
• Loratamed.
• Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate (Drops).
• Dexchlorpheniramine Maleate (Syrup).
• Polaramine.
• Prednisone.

Only a doctor can tell you which drug is most suitable for you, as well as the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter and NEVER self-medicate. Do not stop using the drug without consulting a doctor first, and if you take it more than once or in much larger amounts than prescribed, follow the instructions on the package insert.

Relieve Symptoms and Accelerate Recovery:  To relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery, take the following steps:

• Avoid agents that can trigger an allergic reaction , which can include food, medication, pollen, pet dander, latex, and insect bites
• Antihistamines can help relieve itching (they should be used with medical advice, as they can interact with other medications and be contraindicated in some situations)
• Make compresses with cold water to deflate the welts
• To relieve the itch, try a warm/cold bath
• Avoid putting pressure on the skin with very tight clothes, prefer more comfortable and cotton clothes.

Possible Complications:  Untreated hives can progress to more serious health problems, such as:

• Anaphylaxis: an allergic reaction that involves the entire body, causes difficulty in breathing and can be life-threatening
• Swelling in the throat: it can cause a blockage of the respiratory passages and, consequently, risk of death.

Hives can be uncomfortable, but it ‘s usually harmless and goes away on its own. Most of the time, the exact cause of urticaria is not identified, but treatment, when necessary, is effective.

Prevention: To prevent urticaria , you need to follow some measures:

• The main one is to avoid triggers of known allergic reactions.
• If you suspect that a food is causing you symptoms similar to an allergic reaction , be aware and, if necessary, cut it out of your diet.