Urticaria and angioedema. Current approach to common problems

Abstract

Urticaria and angioedema are common problems encountered in clinical practice. The list of potential causes is quite extensive, and ruling in or out the many possibilities requires a probing history, careful physical examination, and appropriate selection of screening laboratory tests. Identification of the cause is more likely in patients who present with acute (evanescent) symptoms than in patients whose symptoms follow a chronic course. In the latter group the expertise of the subspecialty physician is often useful.