URTICARIA AND ANGIOEDEMA

Course overview

Urticaria (also called hives) is a skin eruption characterized by multiple swollen, raised areas on the skin (i.e., wheals) that are intensely itchy. Angioedema (AE) is characterized by edema of subcutaneous and submucosal tissue and can be life-threatening when the airway is compromised. Urticaria and AE often occur together and are manifestations of the same immunological and vascular processes in which mast cells release chemical mediators that result in an increase in endothelial cell permeability. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of current knowledge about urticaria and AE, its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.