Gastric acid secretion in cold urticaria

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cold urticaria is a condition causing hives upon cold exposure.
• Histamine release is a known component of cold urticaria reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of cold exposure on gastric acid output in cold urticaria patients.
• To compare gastric acid response to cold in patients versus controls.

Main Methods:

• Gastric acid output measurement before and after cold hand immersion.
• Study included four cold urticaria patients and six healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Control subjects showed a 16.3% decrease in mean acid output.
• Cold urticaria patients exhibited increased gastric acid output post-cold challenge.
• Acid output increases ranged from 52.6% to 1707% in patients.

Conclusions:

• Cold exposure significantly elevates gastric acid secretion in cold urticaria patients.
• Systemic histamine release during cold reactions is the probable cause.
• Findings suggest a link between cold hypersensitivity and altered gastric function.