Urticaria
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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
Sheila M Amar1, Stephen C Dreskin
1Division of Allergy and Immunology, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, The University of Colorado, 1400 Jackson Street, K1001, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Abstract:
Urticaria with or without angioedema is frequently encountered in primary care medicine. Although many patients and physicians think that urticaria is evidence of an IgE-mediated allergic reaction, often the etiology of urticaria is unknown. This uncertainty frequently results in patients enduring unnecessary lifestyle changes or extensive testing. In more persistent cases, patients achieve control of their disease only with the use of more toxic medications, such as corticosteroids, and this can lead to a range of systemic complications. Acute urticaria is typically due to a hypersensitivity reaction while chronic urticaria has a more complex pathogenesis. Antihistamines remain the mainstay of symptomatic treatment for both.
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