title: Urticaria. The diagnostic challenge of hives.
abstract: Hives pose a diagnostic challenge to physicians. With an acute episode, a careful look for possible triggers and relief of symptoms with H1 antihistamines are usually sufficient. For both urticaria and angioedema, the most helpful diagnostic tool may be a carefully taken medical history, including a family history. When a patient's urticaria lasts for more than 6 weeks, further physical and laboratory evaluation is warranted. Treatment of chronic urticaria generally involves the use of antihistamines first. Corticosteroids are to be avoided, if possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergy, Park Nicollet Clinic, Minneapolis, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Sveum
mesh_terms: D000799:Angioedema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D014581:Urticaria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology