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Writer's pictureMichelle Schirra

CHRONIC URTICARIA- WHAT IS THIS? Please read...



Well, first Chronic Urticaria or Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is considered at this time an AUTOIMMUNE ISSUE.  The proposed explanation for the starting point for investigation is that it relates to an autoimmune dysfunction in the body where antibodies are targeting IgE (our immediate response antibodies) to activate a histamine release from mast cells or basophils.


Mast cell degranulation happens and is an immune response that can be brought on or triggered by non-immunologic or immunological activation.


Here are some reasons:


Non-immunological activation:

- Estrogens

- Androgens

- Pathogens / Bacteria

- Stress

- Environmental factors

- NSAIDS

- Antibiotics

- Alcohol


Immunological activation:

- Antigens

- Allergens 

- Foods such as shellfish, pineapple, tomatoes, chocolate 

- Pollens, grasses 

- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)  

- Food preservatives

- Artificial food dyes


There is research that points to the increased prevalence of other autoimmune disorders in CSU or chronic spontaneous urticaria patients.  Hypothyroidism seems to be the more common one in up to 9.8% of patients and other conditions are: 

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Systemic Lupus

- Sjogrens

- Celiac Disease 

- Type 1 Diabetes


As we discussed last week, hypothyroidism or Hashimotos is a condition of the thyroid gland being attacked & antibodies are produced.  There is a connection in some patients with some urticaria responses but the causes are unknown.

 

If you are struggling with any of the issues I have mentioned above, please get complete blood work to rule things out.  Testing for other inflammatory markers are suggested such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or sedimentation erythrocyte rate (SED) mostly to rule out other diseases.  Skin pricking is not a useful test when ruling out CSU since it is usually not caused by a type 1 allergy.  This kind of testing for IgE receptors is still in active research. 


Just to wrap this up...most auto-immune issues usually begin with some kind of compromise to the immune system...and food can be a big driving force!  So, be aware and do your testing!!  Don't continue to suffer when there might be an answer! 


As always, stay safe & be healthy!!  You mean the world to me!


xoxo

Michelle 

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