Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common dermatological disorder characterized by recurrent wheals, with or without angioedema, persisting for more than six weeks. The disease has a heterogeneous clinical presentation and considerably affects patients' quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical spectrum of chronic urticaria among patients attending a dermatology clinic. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Mamata Medical College and General Hospital, Khammam. One hundred adult patients clinically diagnosed with chronic urticaria were enrolled. Demographic characteristics, clinical profile, triggering factors, associated comorbidities, laboratory findings, and disease characteristics were recorded using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. The mean age of the study population was 38.9 ± 12.1 years, with females constituting 62% of cases. Chronic spontaneous urticaria was the predominant subtype (76%), while angioedema was observed in 34% of patients. The most common disease duration was 1-5 years (34%), and daily wheals occurred in 58% of patients. No identifiable trigger was found in 39% of patients, whereas emotional stress (24%) and drugs (14%) were the most frequent identifiable triggers. Atopy (23%) and allergic rhinitis (18%) were the commonest associated conditions. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (39%) was the most frequent laboratory abnormality. A significant association was observed between longer disease duration and angioedema (χ² = 9.81, p = 0.007). Chronic spontaneous urticaria was the most common clinical subtype, predominantly affecting middle-aged females. Emotional stress and drug exposure were important triggering factors, while atopy and thyroid disorders were common associated conditions. Careful clinical evaluation and selective investigations remain essential for the effective diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria.
How to cite this article:
Bikkasani U.P. Lakshmi Kishan Rao. Clinical Profile, Triggering Factors, and Associated Comorbidities in Patients wit Chronic Urticaria: A Cross-Sectional Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2013.214.220
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2013.214.220