Fifteen-minute consultation: Assessing the child with persistent urticaria. Issue 1 (2nd May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hardman, Simon Jonathan; Minshall, Eleanor
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2019-05-02
• Subjects: paediatric -- urticaria -- allergy; Pediatrics -- Practice -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315878
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0585

Abstract

Abstract : Chronic urticaria is the presence of wheals and/or angioedema, with daily or intermittent symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks. Although rarely life threatening, it can be a cause of significant embarrassment and misery. In most cases, no underlying factor is identified. It is therefore important to have a structured approach to the assessment in order to exclude important diagnoses, minimise costly screening tests and ensure a correct diagnosis is made. This article aims to highlight the importance of a focused history, provides a clear scheme for establishing a diagnosis and recommends when to perform appropriate investigations. A short discussion regarding treatment options and prognosis is also provided.