CHRONIC URTICARIA RELATED TO HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION - A CASE REPORT

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a complex inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent wheals and pruritus lasting longer than six weeks, often resulting in significant impairment in quality of life, sleep disturbance, and psychological distress. Although the majority of cases are classified as chronic spontaneous urticaria without identifiable triggers, a growing body of literature suggests that persistent infections may contribute to disease pathogenesis through immune-mediated mechanisms. Helicobacter pylori infection has been increasingly investigated because of its ability to induce chronic systemic inflammation, autoantibody production, and mast cell activation. We present a case of a 34-year-old male with a two-year history of recurrent urticaria that progressed to near-daily episodes over a three-month period. The patient also reported chronic dyspeptic symptoms including heartburn and epigastric discomfort. Laboratory investigations revealed normal complete blood count parameters, normal liver function tests, normal total IgE levels, and mildly elevated C-reactive protein. Stool antigen testing confirmed H. pylori infection and endoscopy demonstrated chronic gastritis. Following completion of eradication therapy, the patient remained symptom-free for two consecutive months, with subsequent stool antigen testing confirming successful eradication. This report highlights the potential pathogenetic role of H. pylori infection in selected patients with chronic urticaria and emphasizes the importance of targeted evaluation based on clinical presentation.