Chronic Hives

Chronic hives are itchy, raised, red bumps or welts that appear on your skin at least twice per week. These welts, also called wheals, are chronic when they last more than six weeks.

You may hear this condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria:

Chronic: A symptom or condition that persists even with treatment.
Idiopathic: The symptom or condition occurs for no known reason. It comes on suddenly.
Urticaria: The medical term for hives, pronounced ur-tik-CARE-ee-uh.

What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema (swelling)?

Hives (urticaria) and angioedema (swelling) can occur together. Hives are raised red bumps or splotches on your skin. Angioedema (swelling) may occur in deep layers of tissue. This swelling can affect your face, lips, throat, hands, feet and genitals.

What’s the difference between hives and chronic hives?

Chronic hives are different than acute hives:

Acute hives start to fade within 24 hours (although new hives may replace them). They are gone within six weeks. A recent viral infection often causes acute hives.
Chronic hives are visible at least twice per week for more than six weeks. Some chronic hives last for months or years. The cause is often unknown.

How common are chronic hives?

Up to 5% of people develop chronic hives. The condition affects all ages and genders but is more common in women ages 30 to 50.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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