Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
07:22
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
9.7K
Aquagenic urticaria: diagnostic and management challenges
Robert Rothbaum1, Jean S McGee1
1Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Asthma and Allergy
|December 13, 2016
Summary
Aquagenic urticaria (AU) is a rare skin condition causing hives upon water contact. This review details AU diagnosis, challenges, and a step-by-step treatment approach for better symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aquagenic urticaria (AU) is a rare inducible physical urticaria triggered by water exposure.
- Symptoms include wheals and flares within 30 minutes of skin contact, with rare systemic effects.
Approach:
- This review discusses diagnostic challenges, differentiating AU from other physical urticarias.
- It outlines a therapeutic ladder for AU management, including first-line antihistamines and further interventions.
Key Points:
- AU pathogenesis is not fully understood, involving histamine-dependent and independent mechanisms.
- Diagnosis relies on clinical history and a water challenge test, sometimes requiring exclusion of other physical urticarias.
- Multiple physical urticarias can coexist, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of aquagenic urticaria presents significant challenges.
- A structured therapeutic approach is crucial for achieving adequate symptomatic control in AU patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
292
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
292
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
103
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin,...
103
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
81
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum...
81
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
84
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
84
01:30Hypersensitivities
8.0K
Hypersensitivity, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction or allergic reaction, is a condition where the body's immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. Such substances, that cause hypersensitivity are referred to as an allergen, could be something typically harmless to most people, like pollen or certain foods.
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
8.0K
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
573
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
573