**7. Conclusions**

In summary CSU is a debilitating disease with a relapsing course. It affects 0.5–1% of the population at any given time. The duration of CSU is generally 1–5 years but can be longer in cases associated with angioedema and autoreactivity. CSU has detrimental effects on quality of life with sleep-deprivation and psychiatric disorders being the most frequent.

In a great number of patients an underlying cause or eliciting factor cannot be identified. Among the patients in which an aetiology is suspected, infections, medication, food and psychological factors are most commonly associated. A potential autoimmune cause has been reported in up to 50% of patients. Urticaria can be presenting sign for many syndromes and associated with several conditions. CINDU is characterised by its ability to be triggered consistently and reproducibly in response to a specific stimulus (pressure, temperature, vibration, water, heat, light).

The diagnosis of CU is often made on clinical grounds, a limited routine diagnostic work-up is recommended in a case-by-case basis.

Antihistamines form the mainstay of therapy. In non-responders a variety of other drugs are available including leukotriene receptor inhibitors, conventional systemic therapy, anti-inflammatory and biologic therapy. Special care must be taken when treating children, pregnant/lactating women and the elderly.

*Urticaria - Diagnosis and Management*
