Ep. 75: Understanding Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Hives Demystified
Do you get hives and have no clue why? Then this episode is for you!
Join Kortney and Dr. Gupta as they unpack chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in a six-part series. You may also have heard of this condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria or spontaneous urticaria.
In this first episode, Kortney and Dr. Gupta dive into the nitty gritty of chronic spontaneous urticaria. They define the medical term "urticaria," commonly known as hives, and discuss how CSU differs from other forms of urticaria. They dive into the symptoms, including the itchy and transient nature of hives, and emphasize that CSU can vary in appearance depending on skin tone.
What may seem complicated in chronic spontaneous urticaria is that there are no triggers. Instead, Dr. G walks us through the factors that may be culprits to CSU flares, such as stress and certain medications, and she highlights the impact of autoimmune conditions on CSU prevalence.
What we cover in our episode about chronic spontaneous urticaria:
Definition and symptoms of urticaria (hives)
Differences between chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CINDU)
The definition of chronic spontaneous urticaria and its symptoms
The role of histamine in hives
The mechanisms of itch and why scratching feels so good
Factors that can exacerbate chronic spontaneous urticaria
Populations most affected by chronic spontaneous urticaria
The average duration of CSU symptoms
Is chronic spontaneous urticaria curable
More resources about spontaneous hives:
Chronic Urticaria Management, Resources & Glossary of Terms: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/chronic-urticaria/management-and-resources/
What is Chronic Urticaria: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/chronic-urticaria/
Episode 39: urticaria what causes hives?https://www.itchpodcast.com/episodes/39-urticaria
What is chronic spontaneous urticaria?
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a type of urticaria (hives) where the hives appear and disappear spontaneously without a known trigger. CSU is characterized by itchy, raised rashes that should not last longer than 24 hours in one spot. It is considered chronic if it persists for at least six weeks. Additionally, 30-50% of CSU patients experience angioedema, which involves swelling in the skin without itching.
Medical terms used when talking about chronic spontaneous urticaria:
Urticaria = Hives/ Welts/ Wheals
Pruritus = Itch
Angioedema = Swelling
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Episode in a Nut Shell
Definition of Urticaria: Urticaria, or hives, are itchy, raised rashes that come and go.
Difference between CSU and Other Urticarias: CSU has no specific trigger and lasts at least six weeks.
Role of Histamine: Histamine release causes itching and swelling.
Factors Exacerbating CSU: Stress, medications, infections, and autoimmune mechanisms.
Impact on Different Populations: More common in females and those over 20, often linked with autoimmune disorders.
Management and Treatment: There is no cure, but symptoms are manageable; seeking medical advice is crucial.
We thank Novartis for sponsoring this podcast.
Timestamps
Understanding Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Hives Demystified
00:01:10 - What is Urticaria?
00:03:30 - Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Definition
00:04:16 - Do Allergic Reactions Play a Role in CSU?
00:05:18 - Chronic Inducible Urticaria (CINDU)
00:06:40 - Variation of Hives in Different People and Skin Tones
00:08:29 - What Happens in the Body to Cause Hives?
00:09:07 - Histamine's Role in Urticaria
00:09:50 - The Role of Itch in Urticaria - Pruritus
00:10:50 - Why Does Scratching Feel Good Despite Being Harmful?
00:12:54 - Angioedema in CSU
00:14:20 - Factors That Can Make CSU Worse
00:14:58 - Role of Autoimmune Mechanisms in CSU
00:15:28 - Common Culprits That May Induce a Flare
00:17:52 - Who Does CSU Most Impact?
00:18:55 - Does CSU Ever Go Away / Can CSU Be Cured?
00:20:45 - When Should You See Your Doctor If Concerned?
