Uticaria

Question 1

What is the definition of urticaria?

Answer 1

Urticaria is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction characterized by raised total and specific IgE levels.

Question 2

What type of hypersensitivity reaction is urticaria?

Answer 2

It is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction.

Question 3

What immunoglobulin is primarily involved in urticaria?

Answer 3

IgE (both total and specific IgE)

Question 4

What is the estimated prevalence of urticaria in the general population?

Answer 4

It affects up to 1% of the general population

Question 5

At what age does urticaria typically begin?

Answer 5

It usually begins between the 30s and 50s.

Question 6

How is urticaria clinically characterized?

Answer 6

By wheals or hives that usually last less than 24 hours.

Question 7

Do the lesions of urticaria leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Answer 7

No, they do not leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Question 8

How is acute urticaria defined in terms of duration?

Answer 8

Acute urticaria lasts for less than 6 weeks.

Question 9

How is chronic urticaria defined in terms of duration?

Answer 9

Chronic urticaria lasts for more than 6 weeks.

Question 10

What is a common psychological complication of chronic urticaria?

Answer 10

Psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life, due to persistent itching and visible skin lesions.

Question 11

What is the first step in the treatment approach for urticaria?

Answer 11

Take a good history to identify potential triggers or underlying causes.

Question 12

Which commonly used medications should be avoided in patients with urticaria?

Answer 12

Aspirin and NSAIDs, as they can exacerbate symptoms.

Question 13

What is the mainstay of pharmacological treatment for urticaria?

Answer 13

Non-sedating antihistamines

Question 14

How can the dosing of non-sedating antihistamines be adjusted in resistant cases of urticaria?

Answer 14

The dose can be increased up to four times the standard daily dose under medical supervision.