Treatment methods for chronic urticaria
Urticaria with a duration of more than six weeks without healing, occurring more than twice a week, is called chronic urticaria. Chronic urticaria, due to repeated occurrences and severity, affects the quality of life and therefore requires active treatment. Urticaria, commonly known as hives, and in traditional Chinese medicine called "addiction rash," is caused by the dilation and increased permeability of small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in a localized edematous response characterized by erythematous wheals and itching. The onset of urticaria is rapid, and it fades quickly without leaving a trace, coming and going like a shadow. Urticaria is caused by factors that lead to vascular dilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, increased gland secretion, and localized or systemic allergic symptoms in the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and digestive tract. Therefore, the treatment principles for chronic urticaria are: first, to actively seek out and eliminate the cause. Some cases of urticaria are caused by certain foods, such as beef, lamb, seafood, tropical fruits, etc. Others are drug-induced. Some may relate to airborne dust mites, pollen, etc. External factors like temperature and sunlight may also trigger outbreaks. By analyzing the timing and locations of urticaria occurrences or worsenings, one can investigate potential causes. Second, if the cause is unknown and no triggering factors have been identified, symptomatic treatment should be started, primarily using oral antihistamines and topical calamine lotion to relieve itching. Third, in cases of acute onset with symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, it is advisable to immediately seek medical attention at a hospital. Fourth, recurrent urticaria, aside from external triggers, is related to the body's own immune strength. At this point, it is recommended to seek treatment at an established traditional Chinese medicine hospital for herbal regulation, and to gradually reduce antihistamine medication, which can be an effective approach.
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