A Study on the Clinical Characteristics and Triggers of Urticaria in Adults

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Urticaria is a common skin disorder with transient wheals and angioedema, triggered by physical factors, drugs, foods, infections, or stress. Chronic cases often have no clear cause. It can recur and affect quality of life. Management includes trigger avoidance and antihistamines. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and common triggers of urticaria in adults. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study of 48 adults with urticaria was conducted at Upazila Health Complex, Kapasia, Gazipur, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. Data on clinical features, triggers, and medical history were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Informed consent and confidentiality were ensured. Results: In a group of 48 adults (average age 34.6 ± 11.2 years), 30 (62.5%) were women. Chronic urticaria occurred more frequently (31; 64.6%) than acute (17; 35.4%), with chronic spontaneous urticaria comprising 27 cases (56.3%). All patients (48; 100%) experienced pruritus, while angioedema and generalized wheals occurred in 31.3% (15) and 60.4% (29), respectively. Physical triggers (20; 41.7%) and stress (14; 29.2%) were most common. Chronic urticaria was associated with female sex, angioedema, stress, and physical triggers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Chronic urticaria, mainly affecting females and young adults, is often triggered by physical factors and stress, with many cases idiopathic. Pruritus was universal, and angioedema occurred in one-third. Female sex, angioedema, stress, and physical triggers were linked to chronicity, highlighting the need for tailored management.