Ep. 80: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Myths & Misconceptions
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network. We thank Novartis for sponsoring this podcast.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 80:
Is chronic spontaneous urticaria a serious condition? Is CSU rare? Are only women impacted by chronic spontaneous urticaria? Get ready to find out.
This episode is a quick-fire round covering the misunderstood aspects of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a condition that perplexes many due to its spontaneous nature. With over 1.7 million people affected, it's more common than you might think and deserves a closer look. Despite its prevalence, many misconceptions persist about what causes CSU, its symptoms, and how it can be treated.
Kortney and Dr. Gupta tackle the myths and misconceptions around CSU. Unpacking its impacts on quality of life and the challenges those living with the condition face. They explore the realities of living with CSU, from the pervasive itch to the emotional toll it can take. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of managing CSU.
The chronic spontaneous urticaria myths and misconceptions we cover in our episode:
CSU is caused by allergies.
CSU is contagious.
CSU is a rare condition.
CSU is not a serious condition.
Stress is the main cause of CSU.
CSU only affects the skin.
CSU will go away quickly.
There isn’t any treatment for chronic hives.
Antihistamines are the only treatment for CSU.
Changing your diet will help CSU.
CSU can be cured.
Once CSU goes away, it will never come back again.
Men and women are equally affected by CSU.
You can always pinpoint the exact cause of hives in patients with CSU.
Autoimmune conditions are more common in people with CSU.
Scratching hives is harmless.
Once my hives are controlled, I need to be on the medication forever.
All hives look the same.
Only adults get CSU.
CSU hives are always accompanied by other allergic symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing.
Having CSU doesn’t affect quality of life.
The itch in CSU is not a big deal.
Allergy testing will help me figure out why I have CSU.
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/
More information about Omalizumab (Xolair): https://www.xolair.com/chronic-spontaneous-urticaria.html
Episode Heather talks about where she learned to call her condition Lynda: Interview with Tammie about life with mastocytosis https://www.itchpodcast.com/episodes/71-living-with-mastocytosis
Other episodes about urticaria:
We thank Novartis for sponsoring this podcast.
Urticaria Myths in a Nutshell
CSU is not caused by allergies: CSU occurs without identifiable allergens, unlike inducible hives.
CSU is not contagious: It’s an immune response, not infectious.
CSU is not rare: It affects around 1.7 million people and can occur at any age.
CSU significantly impacts quality of life: It can cause severe itching, discomfort, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress.
Stress is not the main cause of CSU: While stress can worsen symptoms, the condition may have autoimmune underpinnings.
CSU can involve angioedema: This deeper swelling can be more severe than hives.
CSU does not always respond to antihistamines alone: Other treatments like immunosuppressants and biologics may be necessary.
No cure, but treatment can manage symptoms: CSU may resolve over time, but effective management is crucial.
CSU symptoms can vary: Hives can differ in appearance and may not always accompany other symptoms like swelling or breathing difficulties.
Women are affected more than men: Women are twice as likely to have CSU.
Autoimmune disorders are more common in CSU patients: Conditions like thyroid disorders and lupus are more prevalent.
Scratching hives can be harmful, leading to further skin irritation or infection.
CSU can reoccur: The condition can return at different points in life.
Children and adolescents can also have CSU: It is not limited to adults.
Allergy testing may not pinpoint the cause: CSU is not typically triggered by external allergens, so it is not necessary.
Timestamps
Chronic Spontaneous Hives Misconceptions
01:02 CSU is caused by allergies.
02:17 CSU is contagious.
03:26 CSU is a rare condition.
03:51 CSU is not a serious condition.
06:51 Stress is the main cause of CSU.
07:17 CSU only affects the skin.
07:50 CSU will go away quickly.
08:28 There isn’t any treatment for chronic hives.
09:14 Antihistamines are the only treatment for CSU.
10:06 Changing your diet will help CSU.
10:38 CSU can be cured.
11:40 Once CSU goes away, it will never come back again.
11:52 Men and women are equally affected by CSU.
12:05 You can always pinpoint the exact cause of hives in patients with CSU.
13:03 Autoimmune conditions are more common in people with CSU.
13:30 Scratching hives is harmless.
14:18 Once my hives are controlled, I need to be on the medication forever.
14:46 All hives look the same.
15:20 Only adults get CSU.
15:43 CSU hives are always accompanied by other allergic symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing.
16:45 Having CSU doesn’t affect quality of life.
17:28 The itch in CSU is not a big deal.
18:46 Allergy testing will help me figure out why I have CSU.
