Immunological aspects of allergy and anaphylaxis part 51

Urticaria and angioedema

Angioedema and urticaria are two of the more perplexing problems evaluated by physicians, and cases of chronic urticaria (hives of more than six weeks duration) may yield diagnoses in about 20% of those evaluated. Perhaps most  important in the evaluation is the medical history, followed by understanding whether physical issues such as pressure, cold, and scratching affect the skin. these issues must be carefully explored in the initial questioning of the patient.