Etiopathogenesis and treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria

Abstract:

Chronic spontanous urticaria is a inflammatory disease that manifests with wheals and angioedema that lasts six weeks or longer, with overall prevalence between 1 and 2%. Although the etiology of the disease is still unknown, in 50% of the patients an underlying autoimmune pathophysiological mechanism of mast cell activation has been identified. Since forming of wheals and angioedema happens due to the release of histamine from the activated mast cells, treatment of this disease consists of histamine receptor antagonists and immunomodulatory drugs, until the spontaneous regression of the symptoms. Comprehensive approach is needed for the diagnosis, since the comorbidities and the disease's itself has great impact on quality of life. Focus should be also put on special groups of patients, such as children and pregnant women, because of differences in disease manifestation and the therapeutical limitations.

Key words:
H1-receptor antagonists; cyclosporine; chronic spontaneous urticaria; mast cells; omalizumab