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What Are Hives? What Is Urticaria? What Causes Hives?

car. Antihistamines often cause drowsiness if the patient has alcohol in his/her system. Some patients may benefit from antihistamines that do cause drowsiness, especially if the itchiness is causing sleep problems. Pregnant women should not take antihistamines, unless the GP prescribes it. Very occasionally GPs may prescribe an antihistamine called chlorphenamine for pregnant women if it is felt the benefits are greater than the risks. In the UK thousands of pregnant women have taken chlorphenamine, and so far there have been no reports of any harmful effects to the unborn baby. *Corticosteroids - If symptoms are very severe the doctor may prescribe a short course of high-dose oral corticosteroids, which suppress the immune system which usually results in either eliminating or reducing the symptoms of urticaria. Corticosteroids should not be taken for more than 5 days. The longer a patient takes Corticosteroids the greater his risks are of getting an infection. Chronic urticaria treatment Patients with chronic urticaria will have treatment which is aimed at controlling symptoms and avoiding triggers that may make them worse. Patients who have chronic urticaria and angioedema should be referred to an immunologist, an allergist or a dermatologist (skin specialist doctor). Angioedema can cause breathing difficulties which can potentially cause serious problems. Patients who only have chronic urticaria and nothing else, but whose symptoms are still severe should also be referred to a specialist. *Antihistamines - antihistamines can treat the symptoms of chronic urticaria. If symptoms are causing sleep problems the patient may benefit from also taking the antihistamines that cause drowsiness. *Menthol cream - this has been shown to be a useful alternative or addition to antihistamines for patients with itchiness. *Corticosteroids - these may be prescribed for chronic urticaria patients whose symptoms are more severe. *Avoiding triggers - as triggers can make the existing urticaria worse, it is important for the patient to identify these triggers and avoid them. Remember, that with chronic urticaria the triggers do not cause the condition, but they can make it worse. The patient may have to abstain from consuming alcohol, or cut down consumption. He/she may have to avoid certain medications as well. Avoiding stress may help - however, this may not be easy, especially if the symptoms are affecting the patient"s quality of life. Some soaps may be making symptoms worse, as well as skin creams and detergents. *Meditation or hypnosis - relaxation techniques, such as medication or hypnosis have been found to help reduce symptoms and levels of stress in severely affected patients. *Diet - many patients swear that certain foods make their symptoms worse. This is a controversial subject in which experts seem to have different opinions. The following foods are known to trigger histamine production - spinach, fish, yoghurt, fish, tomato, processed, meats, chocolate, and strawberries. What are the complications of urticaria? Acute urticaria complications Approximately one quarter of all patients with acute urticaria also develop acute angioedema, which should resolve itself within about three days. Patients who have breathing problems should call the emergency services immediately. Angioedema is treated with antihistamines and oral corticosteroids. Chronic urticaria complications About half of all chronic urticaria patients will get better within 3 to 5 years. One quarter of all patients will continue having symptoms for over 10 years. As with any chronic condition, the patient can become frustrated and distressed. Approximately 15% of chronic urticaria patients report feelings of depression. Patients with symptoms of depression should inform their doctor. Depression is treatable. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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