Gómez RM, Bernstein JA, Ansotegui I, Maurer M
Front Allergy. 2022 Jun 9;3:905677. doi: 10.3389/falgy.2022.905677. PMID: 35769560; PMCID: PMC9234868.
Chronic urticaria is usually diagnosed after daily or almost daily presence of symptoms for more than 6 weeks. Urticaria symptoms include pruritic wheals or hives, accompanied by angioedema in 40% of cases. Up to 20% of patients have isolated angioedema. Chronic urticaria represents a significant burden which has been extensively reported with numerous validated patient-reported outcome measures that represent a significant impact on several aspects of life ranging from physical discomfort to personal mood changes (anxiety and depression) which frequently interferes with interpersonal relationships, daily activities including work and school. It is not a surprise that management of chronic urticaria is related to substantial
costs to health care systems due to recurrent medical visits and treatments. Consequently, it is crucial to generate awareness among healthcare payors and other stakeholders on the prevalence of chronic urticaria and its impact on quality of life and on the economic burden it has on society. There is no consensus on diagnostic and management criteria for CU, which makes this task more challenging.
In conclusion, the health and economic burden of chronic urticaria is significant and should not be underestimated. The significant impact of this condition requires that physicians and other health care providers understand how to properly identify and manage this condition.
An expert consensus on diagnostic and management criteria for chronic urticaria is needed.
