Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema (Swelling)
Urticaria and angioedema are common inflammatory skin and soft tissue conditions caused by activation of immune pathways and release of histamine and other mediators. These conditions may be acute, recurrent, or chronic and can significantly impact quality of life due to persistent itching, swelling and discomfort.
What is urticaria (hives)?
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, presents as raised, itchy, red or skin-coloured welts that can appear anywhere on the body. Individual lesions typically come and go within hours, although new lesions may continue to develop over days, weeks or longer. Urticaria may be acute or chronic. Chronic urticaria is defined as symptoms persisting for more than six weeks and is often not caused by an external allergen.
What is angioedema?
Angioedema refers to deeper swelling of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It commonly affects the lips, eyelids, face, hands or feet and may occur with or without urticaria. Angioedema can be uncomfortable and sometimes causes tightness or pressure in affected areas. In rare cases, angioedema may involve internal swelling and requires specialist assessment to exclude underlying causes.
Causes and triggers
Urticaria and angioedema can be triggered by a variety of factors including infections, medications, physical triggers (such as pressure, heat or cold), and stress. In many cases of chronic spontaneous urticaria, no external trigger is identified, and the condition is thought to reflect dysregulation of immune pathways rather than a true allergy.
Specialist assessment
At Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic, we provide comprehensive evaluation of urticaria and angioedema. This includes a detailed clinical history, review of symptom patterns, potential triggers, and response to previous treatments. Blood tests or further investigations may be arranged where appropriate to exclude underlying causes or associated systemic conditions.
Treatment and management
Treatment is individualised and focuses on symptom control and long-term disease management. First-line therapy typically involves non-sedating antihistamines, often at adjusted dosing depending on severity. For patients with persistent chronic urticaria that does not respond adequately to antihistamines, specialist therapies may be considered, including biologic treatment such as omalizumab, which can be highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Where angioedema occurs without urticaria, further assessment may be required to exclude non-histaminergic or bradykinin-mediated causes.
Queensland Allergy & Immunology Clinic is a specialist allergy and clinical immunology clinic based in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast, providing expert care for patients across the wider Sunshine Coast region including Kawana, Caloundra, Buderim, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Sippy Downs, Coolum, Noosa, Brisbane North, and surrounding areas. We provide both in-person consultations in Birtinya and telehealth appointments across Queensland, with short wait times for specialist allergy and immunology care.