October 1st commemorates the International Chronic Urticaria Day and this year’s motto is “Your Journey, Your Path.” The initiative is promoted by the Association of People Affected by Chronic Urticaria and the international network of UCARE centers.
In this framework, the Italian Hospital joined the global campaign to raise awareness about the emotional and physical impact of this disease with the aim of increasing awareness in relation to the history of each patient, the delay in diagnosis and the adequate control of the disease.
What is hives?
Urticaria is a very common and annoying pathology that affects the well-being and mood of thousands of patients.
Who does it affect?
It is estimated that Between 12 and 22% of the population will present some type of urticaria throughout their life and around 100,000 people (including adults and children) may be affected by chronic urticaria.
How do I know if I have hives?
It is characterized by the appearance of itchy and sometimes painful hives on the skin. These hives are ephemeral, lasting less than 24 hours and usually change location.
What types of hives exist?
To be considered chronic, hives must be present for at least six weeks continuously. It is called “spontaneous” because the symptoms have no known trigger.
There is another type called inducible. In the latter, stimuli such as cold, heat, rose or pressure, vibration, water and sunlight can be the cause.
What is the difference between allergy and hives?
Chronic spontaneous urticaria is not an allergy, and although its symptoms resemble allergic reactions, they are not caused by known external agents. This makes disease management complex and frustrating for many patients.
Besides, About 40% of those affected suffer from angioedema, a deeper swelling of the lips, eyelids, or tongue, further complicating the situation. Angioedema is not itchy, but it may cause a burning or painful sensation and takes a few days to go away.
“This day is an opportunity to remember that each patient has their own path to controlling hives, and at the Italian Hospital we are committed to accompanying them on that journey,” he mentioned. Claudio Parisihead of the Hospital’s Adult and Pediatric Allergy Sections.
Symptoms and impact on quality of life
Hives affect the well-being and mood of patients. Although the prognosis is usually good, repeated outbreaks can persist for a long time.
The symptoms can limit daily activities such as sleeping, playing sports, working, and even having sexual relations.
This can lead to poor school or work performance, as a quarter of people miss work at least once a month.
The unpredictable appearance of hives and intense itching can lead to anxiety and depression. Irritability and bad mood are common, and the patient may feel isolated and misunderstood for not being able to lead a normal life.
What to do when I have hives?
Approximately 50% of patients do not respond to the usual doses of antihistamines, and this is where they must have the possibility of knowing and having access to different treatments that allow their control.
Nowadays, for severe cases, there are modern effective and safe treatments.
It is essential that doctors and patients work together to determine the best approach tailored to each individual case.
How the app works to control hives
At the Italian Hospital, the allergy section promotes the use of Cruse Control Hivesa free and easy-to-use application, designed by specialists.
This tool allows patients to record and monitor their daily symptoms, facilitating better communication with the treating doctor.
The App provides a more detailed view of the evolution of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments, helping to personalize clinical management.
“With Cruse we can have more continuous monitoring, adjust treatments and achieve better control of the disease”he added Carla RitchieItalian adult allergy section floor doctor.
Source: Ambito
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