Decoding urticaria and allergic rhinitis: all you need to know!

Overview

Allergy is a body’s defence reaction to certain substances, which are mostly harmless to most people. Those substances are known as “allergens” in dust mites, pets, and pollen. When a person comes in contact with an allergen, the body’s defence system recognizes it as a threat and produces antibodies such as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies trigger the immune cells to release chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine and other chemicals like histamine are the real culprits behind allergic symptoms such as sneezing and a stuffy nose ^[1].

Allergic Rhinitis in kids

Summary of urticaria 

Urticaria, an allergic skin condition commonly referred to as hives, is defined by the formation of elevated, itchy areas on the skin called wheals. These wheals are usually skin-coloured or pale, and they are presented with patches of redness or inflammation. Wheels are swelling on the skin and are the defining features of urticaria. They can last from a few minutes to as long as 24 hours, and they may differ in size and shape. Mainly, urticaria is caused by food allergies, infections, and sudden environmental changes. Just like any allergic reaction, urticaria is a result of the body’s defence reaction. This condition occurs when there is an abnormal immune response that leads to fluid leakage from blood vessels into the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis. This results in the formation of raised, red, welt-like bumps, which are the characteristic hives.

 In previous articles, we took a quick dive into the diagnosis process for urticaria. The diagnosis of urticaria involves assessing individuals with a history of transient wheals lasting less than 24 hours, with or without swelling beneath the skin (angioedema). It's crucial to gather information on medication use and family history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and, in some cases, perform specific tests based on the suspected type of urticaria. It is important to note that only a healthcare professional or a medical doctor can do all these physical examinations to diagnose a patient with urticaria and provide all the appropriate treatment options.*read more* 

Hives-urticaria

Summary of allergic rhinitis 

Rhinitis is a popular medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that between 25 and 40% of children and adults worldwide are affected by allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a condition where the nasal mucous membrane is inflamed and irritated due to certain allergens and environmental changes. Some common triggers of allergic rhinitis are pollen, dust, smoke, and strong odors. The main treatment option for allergic rhinitis is to avoid allergens that trigger allergic symptoms. Over-the-counter or prescribed medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and decongestants are sometimes used to manage symptoms. In previous articles, we have discussed in detail the diagnosis process and how allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed digitally. *read more* 

Allergic rhinitis treatment

Allergic rhinitis VS Urticaria 

How can allergies affect the quality of life?

Allergic rhinitis and urticaria both have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. As these conditions progress in severity, they can increasingly compromise the patient's overall well-being and daily experience. Allergic rhinitis tends to cause sleep disturbance, fatigue, and irritation, all of which affect quality of life. To add to that, research performed in Brazil in 2009 revealed that allergic rhinitis has detrimental impacts on the mental and physical well-being of children. Furthermore, urticaria symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life by restricting the physical and emotional well-being of the patient. As the condition progresses, there is a noticeable decline in the individual's overall quality of life. With the worsening of symptoms, both the patient's physical and mental well-being are directly impacted, presenting challenges in their daily lives. Hence, it is crucial to get prompt treatment to avoid disease progression so that the patient’s quality of life is not affected ^[5,6]. 

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Reference 

1. What is allergy? - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 7]. Available from: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/about-allergy/what-is-allergy

2. Hives (Urticaria) | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 7]. Available from: https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/hives/

3. Hives (Urticaria) - Symptoms and Causes [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 7]. Available from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/hives

4. Wang XY, Lim-Jurado M, Prepageran N, Tantilipikorn P, Wang DY. Treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria: a review of the newest antihistamine drug bilastine. Ther Clin Risk Manag [Internet]. 2016 Apr 13 [cited 2023 Dec 7];12:585–97. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27110120/

5. Özkan M, Özkan S, Yildirim NK. Quality of Life in Urticaria. Handbook of Disease Burdens and Quality of Life Measures [Internet]. 2010 [cited 2023 Dec 7];3327–38. Available from: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-0-387-78665-0_192

6. Kalmarzi R, Kalmarzi RN, Khazaei Z, Shahsavar J, Gharibi F, Tavakol M, et al. The impact of allergic rhinitis on quality of life: a study in western Iran. Biomedical Research and Therapy [Internet]. 2017 Sep 28 [cited 2023 Dec 7];4(9):1629–37. Available from: http://bmrat.org/index.php/BMRAT/article/view/370 

In collaboration with Menarini

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Written by

Tasnim Jaman Raisa