Q & A

Will I have urticaria for my entire life?
Probably, not.

Acute urticaria is a self-limited disease, which lasts 6 weeks at most.

Chronic urticaria, as the name suggests, is a chronic disease, but can be managed with drugs. Today, 50% of the chronic urticaria cases are known to resolve spontaneously within 6 months – which means that, even if left untreated, 50% of chronic urticaria cases disappear in up to 6 months.

Is urticaria a serious condition?
Sometimes, it can be a serious condition. These include acute types caused by allergy to food (e.g., shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts), drugs, and latex, and may lead to severe urticaria episodes when upper airways (glottis, larynx) get swollen, thus resulting in difficult breathing and risk of death. There is also anaphylaxis ,a condition that involves several organs, which most of times occurs concurrently with urticaria, being considered as very serious.

Chronic types of urticaria are rarely serious enough to be life-threatening, but they cause a strong impact on patients’ quality of life.

Is urticaria a kind of allergy?
It may be.

Only acute urticaria can be allergic in origin; chronic urticaria is not an allergy. Substances most commonly causing allergies are food (crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts), drugs (antibiotics), and contacting substances (latex).

My urticaria can be improved if my diet is controlled?
Most of times, no.

Unless there is a clear relationship with a specific food, diet adjustments will not cause any effect on treatment. Chronic urticaria does not occur as a result of food allergies; therefore, any restrictions would be unnecessary.

Should I avoid all kinds of dyes, preservatives or sweeteners?
No.

There are some types of urticaria that may get worse with a specific artificial color named tartrazine yellow. A healthcare professional can

refer to section ....to learn more about this dy.

Is urticaria caused by stress?
No.

Some types of urticaria can be triggered by, or have its symptoms worsened by stress.

Is urticaria transmissible?
No.

Urticaria is not a contagious disease. There is no risk of transmitting it by contact with other people.

Can urticaria develop at any age?
Yes.

Both the acute and the chronic form of urticaria can suddenly develop at any age, from babies to elderly people. Chronic urticaria is known to more commonly affect mid-aged women.