Chronic Urticaria Symptoms – More Than Hives
Are you struggling with chronic urticaria and other mystery symptoms?
Chronic urticaria symptoms extend beyond a simple itchy rash, often presenting a complex picture with seemingly unrelated yet common issues. According to this study, approximately 2/3 of participants reported additional symptoms. In a recent survey conducted in a Facebook support group for chronic urticaria, results mirrored these results.
These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, yet they may not always be immediately associated with the underlying issue of chronic hives. Read on to learn more…
What are the Systemic Symptoms of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?
While a Google search may suggest that angioedema and hives are the sole symptoms of chronic urticaria, the reality is more nuanced. Beyond the visible signs, patients frequently contend with a range of systemic problems.
These commonly reported chronic urticaria symptoms include hives, itching, angioedema, flushing/burning skin, joint pain or swelling, headache, fatigue, wheezing, or breathlessness. Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and heart palpitations are also prevalent.
Chronic Urticaria Symptoms Often Reported Include:
- Hives
- Itching
- Angioedema
- Flushing/burning skin
- Joint pain or swelling
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Wheezing or feeling breathlessness
- Gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Over-active bladder
Why We Get Systemic Chronic Urticaria Symptoms:
Mast cells are dispersed throughout different body systems, with a significant presence in the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. The widespread distribution of mast cells underscores their role in immune responses and maintaining physiological balance.
Histamine, when present in excess, can lead to vasodilation, causing increased blood flow. We can see this in our hives and angioedema, but it can happen in other other body systems aside form the skin as well.
Elevated histamine levels in the brain can contribute to headaches, brain fog, and disruptions in neurotransmitter balance.
Many of those with chronic spontaneous urticaria report experiencing bouts of brain fog, characterized by difficulty concentrating and memory issues. The condition can also lead to persistent fatigue, impacting physical, mental, or both aspects of energy levels. Although this could also be a side effect of the insomnia brought on by intense night-time itching and elevated histamine levels in the evenings.
Joint pain and swelling, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues like breathlessness or wheezing, and heart palpitations are additional symptoms associated with chronic urticaria.
At the same time that I was diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria, I was also given a diagnosis of migraines, arthritis, IBS, asthma, and over-active bladder. These are all very common in the urticaria community.
Additional Autoimmune Risks
It’s crucial to note that a strong association has been found between chronic urticaria and additional autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, among others.
Many of the symptoms that can come along with chronic spontaneous urticaria can also be symptoms of these common co-diseases. It’s important to get to know your body, and let your doctor of new or worsening symptoms. Regular check-ups and vigilant monitoring of symptoms are essential for proactive healthcare.
Conclusion: Chronic Urticaria Symptoms are often more than skin-deep
In conclusion, chronic urticaria symptoms are often more than skin-deep, encompassing a spectrum of issues that can significantly impact well-being. It’s important to recognize these connections, but to also stay vigilant about what is going on with our bodies so that any additional autoimmune conditions can be identified and treated appropriately.
https://ctajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13601-019-0287-2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6377705/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305753/
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajprenal.00435.2019