Allergy: Uticaria And Angioedema

Question 1

How does urticaria present?

Answer 1

As hives or redness

Question 2

What does urticaria result from?

Answer 2

Local vasodilation and increased permeability of capillaries and venules due to the activation of mast cells, which release a range of mediators including histamine

Question 3

Is urticaria itchy?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

What does acute urticaria result from?

Answer 4

Either a viral infection - rash lasts for days

Or allergen exposure - rash lasts for hours

Question 5

Urticaria may involve deeper tissues to produce …

Answer 5

Swelling (angioedema)

Question 6

Where is a common site for angioedema?

Answer 6

Lips soft tissue around eyes

Question 7

When allergy, especially food allergy, is the cause of urticaria, what is there a risk of?

Answer 7

Anaphylaxis

Question 8

Is chronic urticaria allergic in origin?

Answer 8

Usually not

Question 9

How long does chronic urticaria last?

Answer 9

> 6 weeks

Question 10

How is urticaria treated?

Answer 10

Non sedating antihistamines - May need to be increased up to 4x standard dose
Refractory cases: leukotriene receptor antagonists or anti IgE antibody (omalizumab)