Potential Therapeutic Approaches for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond H1-Antihistamines and Biologics

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023 Aug;11(8):2265-2273. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.06.027. Epub 2023 Jun 23.

Abstract

Chronic urticaria is a disease that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and ability to function. There are effective treatment options, such as nonsedating antihistamines or biologics, but some patients do not respond to these therapies, or the therapies are not available or affordable to all patients. This review aims to summarize potential treatment strategies for patients (1) who do not respond to antihistamines and (2) cannot readily access or do not respond to biologics. The review emphasizes the importance of sound clinical practice, including correct diagnosis of chronic urticaria phenotypes, treatment of associated comorbidities, and consideration of add-on pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Although some treatments may lack high-quality evidence, they may still be justifiable in certain cases, provided that there is shared decision-making, regular reassessment, and early recognition of adverse events.

Keywords: Chronic urticaria; Current management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products* / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Disease
  • Chronic Urticaria* / drug therapy
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Urticaria* / chemically induced
  • Urticaria* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Histamine Antagonists