[New pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of mast cell-dependent inflammatory reactions]

Urticaria is the prototype of diseases dependent on mast cells. Thus a thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is the basis of its specific therapy. The most important therapeutic means regarding the treatment of urticaria is the removal of its cause; drug therapy of the symptoms is to follow. Since histamine is the main mediator in most forms of urticaria, excellent symptomatic relief can be obtained by treatment with modern, nonsedating antihistamines. Certain types of urticaria, which are partly not dependent on histamine, have to be treated with other, more effective drugs, according to the specific pathogenesis involved. Examples of such drugs are corticosteroids, antimalarials, and beta-adrenergic antagonists.