Question 1

What is Allergic Urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Allergic urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin. It is caused by an IgE-mediated immune response when the body encounters specific allergens such as foods, medications, insect stings, or environmental triggers like pollen and mold. The Allergen Specific IgE test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies which specific allergens trigger the immune system to release histamine and cause hives.

Question 2

What causes allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Allergic urticaria is caused by an IgE-mediated immune response when your body encounters specific allergens it recognizes as threats. Common triggers include foods like shellfish, nuts, and eggs, medications such as antibiotics and NSAIDs, insect stings from bees and wasps, and environmental allergens including pollen, mold, pet dander, and certain tree pollens like mulberry. When you are exposed to these allergens, your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals that cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the skin, creating the characteristic raised, itchy welts. The severity and duration of hives can vary depending on the allergen and your individual immune response.

Question 3

What is the best test for allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

The Allergen Specific IgE blood test is the most important test for allergic urticaria because it identifies the exact allergens triggering your immune system to produce hives. This test measures the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood that react to specific substances like foods, environmental allergens, medications, and insect venoms. For example, the Allergen Specific IgE Mulberry Red Tree test detects antibodies to mulberry tree pollen, which can cause seasonal hives in sensitive individuals. By pinpointing your specific triggers, these tests allow you to develop a targeted avoidance strategy and work with your healthcare provider on appropriate treatment plans, including antihistamines or immunotherapy when needed.

Question 4

When should I get tested for allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurrent episodes of raised, itchy welts on your skin that appear suddenly and seem to be triggered by specific exposures to foods, outdoor activities, medications, or seasonal changes. Testing is particularly important if your hives persist for more than six weeks, interfere with your daily activities or sleep, or if you have experienced severe reactions like swelling of the face or throat. You should also consider testing if over-the-counter antihistamines are not effectively controlling your symptoms, or if you want to identify specific triggers to avoid future reactions and improve your quality of life.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptoms of allergic urticaria include raised, red or skin-colored welts that can appear anywhere on the body and range in size from small spots to large patches several inches across. These welts are intensely itchy and may burn or sting, and they typically appear suddenly within minutes to hours after allergen exposure. The welts often change shape, move around the body, and blanch when pressed, and individual welts usually fade within 24 hours but new ones may continue to appear. In more severe cases, you might experience angioedema, which is swelling of deeper layers of skin affecting the eyes, lips, hands, or feet, and in rare instances, difficulty breathing or swallowing if swelling affects the throat.

Question 6

Who is at risk for allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

People with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema are at higher risk for developing allergic urticaria. Children and young adults are more commonly affected, though hives can occur at any age. Those with known food allergies, seasonal allergies, or sensitivities to medications are particularly susceptible. Women are slightly more likely than men to experience chronic hives. Additionally, people with autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, or those who experience frequent infections may have an increased risk of developing urticaria due to heightened immune system activity.

Question 7

What happens if allergic urticaria is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If allergic urticaria is left untreated, you may experience persistent discomfort, severe itching that disrupts sleep and daily activities, and decreased quality of life. Chronic scratching can lead to skin infections, scarring, or thickening of the skin. Without identifying and avoiding triggers, you risk repeated exposures that could lead to more severe reactions, including angioedema with dangerous swelling of the throat or tongue that can obstruct breathing. Additionally, ongoing inflammation and histamine release can contribute to chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression due to the constant physical discomfort and unpredictability of outbreaks. Identifying your specific allergen triggers through testing is essential for preventing these complications and managing the condition effectively.

Question 8

Can allergic urticaria be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, allergic urticaria can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your bloodstream. These blood tests identify which specific allergens your immune system reacts to, providing concrete evidence of allergic triggers causing your hives. Blood testing is particularly useful when skin prick tests are not practical, such as when you cannot stop taking antihistamines, have widespread skin conditions, or have a history of severe allergic reactions. The blood test results show the concentration of IgE antibodies to specific allergens, helping your healthcare provider confirm the allergic nature of your urticaria and develop a targeted treatment plan based on your unique triggers.

Question 9

How is allergic urticaria treated?

Accepted Answer

Allergic urticaria is treated primarily with antihistamines, which block the histamine released during allergic reactions and reduce itching and swelling. Over-the-counter options like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine are often effective for mild cases, while severe or chronic cases may require prescription-strength antihistamines or medications like leukotriene inhibitors, corticosteroids for short-term relief, or omalizumab injections for chronic urticaria. The most effective long-term treatment involves identifying your specific allergen triggers through blood testing and strictly avoiding those substances. In emergency situations with throat swelling or breathing difficulties, epinephrine injections may be necessary, and individuals with severe allergies should carry an EpiPen.

Question 10

How can I prevent allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Preventing allergic urticaria requires identifying your specific allergen triggers through blood testing and then strictly avoiding those substances. Keep a detailed diary of foods, activities, and environmental exposures before hive outbreaks to identify patterns. Read food labels carefully to avoid known food allergens, and inform restaurants about your allergies when dining out. During high pollen seasons for trees like mulberry, stay indoors when pollen counts are high, keep windows closed, and shower after being outdoors. Wear protective clothing when working outside, avoid known medication triggers by informing all healthcare providers of your allergies, and consider carrying an allergy card. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as stress can sometimes trigger or worsen hives in sensitive individuals.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with allergic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies can help soothe allergic urticaria symptoms alongside medical treatment. Apply cool compresses or take cool baths with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to reduce itching and inflammation. Aloe vera gel applied directly to welts can provide cooling relief and reduce irritation. Wear loose, lightweight cotton clothing to minimize skin irritation and allow your skin to breathe. Some people find relief from quercetin supplements, a natural antihistamine found in onions and apples, or probiotics that may help regulate immune responses, though you should consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements. Stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help, as stress can trigger histamine release. However, these natural approaches should complement, not replace, proper allergen identification through testing and medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Allergic Urticaria Blood Test

What is Allergic Urticaria?

What causes allergic urticaria?

What is the best test for allergic urticaria?

When should I get tested for allergic urticaria?

References

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