S3 Guideline Urticaria. Part 1: Classification and diagnosis of urticaria – German-language adaptation of the international S3 Guideline

Torsten Zuberbier, Sabine Altrichter, Sabine Bauer, Randolf Brehler, Knut Brockow, Corinna Dressler, Joachim Fluhr, Matthew Gaskins, Eckard Hamelmann, Kathrin Kühne, Hans Merk, Norbert K. Mülleneisen, Alexander Nast, Heidi Olze, Hagen Ott, Marc Pleimes, Franziska Ruëff, Petra Staubach-Renz, Bettina Wedi, Marcus Maurer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The lifetime prevalence of urticaria, a severe allergic disease, is almost 20%. It not only limits the quality of life of those affected, but also their general performance at work and in their daily activities. This publication is the first section of the Urticaria Guideline. It covers the classification and diagnosis of urticaria, taking into account the major advances in research into its causes, triggering factors and pathomechanisms. It also addresses strategies for the efficient diagnosis of the different subtypes of urticaria. This is crucial for individual, patient-oriented treatment, which is covered in the second part of the guideline, published separately. This German-language guideline was developed according to the criteria of the AWMF on the basis of the international English-language S3 guideline with special consideration of health system characteristics in the German-speaking countries. This first part of the guideline describes the classification of urticaria, distinguishing spontaneously occurring wheals (hives) and angioedema from forms of urticaria with inducible symptoms. Urticaria is defined as sudden onset of wheals, angioedema, or both, but is to be distinguished from conditions in which wheals occur as a short-term symptom, such as anaphylaxis. The diagnosis is based on (a limited number of) laboratory tests, but especially on medical history. In addition, validated instruments are available to measure the severity, activity and course of the disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)81-93
Number of pages13
JournalJDDG - Journal of the German Society of Dermatology
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023

Keywords

  • angioedema
  • diagnostics
  • guideline
  • urticaria
  • wheal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'S3 Guideline Urticaria. Part 1: Classification and diagnosis of urticaria – German-language adaptation of the international S3 Guideline'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this