Most people affected by Chronic Urticaria when we are diagnosed with the disease feel on the one hand relieved to know that what happens to us has a name but on the other hand a sea of questions opens before us.
It is possible that at first we feel very disoriented and misunderstood and over time, and depending on our evolution, new doubts and concerns may arise.
That is why from the support group for Urticaria patients and their families we give importance to being the more informed the better, in this way we will feel safer, we will know what we are facing and who to turn to.
Among the hundreds of questions we ask ourselves, the following are the ones that generate the most doubts:
No, it is not an allergy, in some cases the origin may be autoimmune, which is why antibodies are detected that chronically stimulate mast cells that release histamine. In many other cases no triggering cause is identified.
Chronic Urticaria currently has no cure. All treatments are aimed at alleviating and controlling symptoms. In a high percentage of cases the symptoms remit spontaneously before the age of 5 years. But in 11% the prevalence will be greater than 5 years.
If you have any questions about our process, treatment, evolution, etc., we should go to our dermatologist or allergist, since they are the specialists who know our case and who can better guide us. It is important that we trust him/her and ask absolutely all those questions about chronic urticaria that concern us.
On the other hand, we can find support, understanding, more information, guidance, support and accompaniment by talking with people who are in our same situation.
The diagnosis of Chronic Urticaria is clinical. That is, the clinical history and symptoms of the patient are taken into account. All the tests that the specialist prescribes are aimed at ruling out other pathologies that may present with similar symptoms.
Once the diagnosis is made, the specialist prescribes a treatment. In cases where the treatment is effective, the dermatologist or allergist will follow up. But if the initial treatment is not effective, the specialist will indicate the options that he considers most appropriate.
In many people affected, the disease is difficult to control, so we will have to be very patient, trust our doctor and if the improvement does not occur over time and they do not offer us other therapeutic options, consider the possibility of consulting another specialist.
It is also important that we know and inform ourselves as much as possible about the disease and that we have the support and understanding of the people around us, be they family, friends or others affected.
In addition, it will be very useful, both for us and for the specialist, if we document all the changes that we observe. Keeping a record of the outbreaks, number of hives, degree of itching, limitations, etc., will allow us to provide information with which you can work and better assess our evolution.
Chronic Urticaria is not a fatal disease, but it seriously affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it. That is why it is essential to get to know it well, feel supported, learn to have psycho-emotional resources to cope with the symptoms on a daily basis, not resign ourselves and enjoy our lives despite the limitations.
Yes. Many of us affected by Urticaria often also suffer from one or more types of physical urticaria (dermographism, cold, solar, delayed pressure or heat urticaria) or other forms of inducible urticaria (aquagenic, exercise-induced, cholinergic, contact).
This is the big question that many affected people ask ourselves, especially at the beginning when we do not have the disease under control. It is possible, as in most cases, that Chronic Urticaria remits before the age of 5. However, it is also possible that this is not the case. There are even cases in which after remitting for a very long period of time, which can be years, it regrows.
In principle there is no direct relationship between Chronic Urticaria and food. However, some foods rich in histamine and/or food additives can aggravate the symptoms in certain situations, so sometimes our specialist will recommend that we avoid them or limit their consumption.
Among the medications that can exacerbate the symptoms and that it is preferable to avoid include aspirin, antibiotics and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs (ibuprofen), opioids and certain psychotropic drugs and hormones.
Yes. Stress can worsen the set of symptoms, but at the same time the symptoms of Chronic Urticaria generate stress. This sometimes tail-biting fish is difficult to dispel. Hence, it is of great importance to learn to have resources to manage stress, both external and that which generates the symptoms of the disease itself.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need support.
