A
Acute
A health condition lasting for less than 6 weeks.1
Allergist/Immunologist
A doctor who is an expert in treating allergies, asthma, and other immune system conditions.2
Allergy
An oversensitive immune reaction to a particular substance, which is called an allergen.3
Anaphylaxis
Swelling of the airways because of an allergic reaction, which can potentially close off the airways. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.2,3
Angioedema
Swelling of the area beneath the skin, especially the lips, face, and extremities.2,4
Antidepressants
Medicines used to treat depression and anxiety. Some types, such as Silenor® (doxepin), can be used to treat chronic hives.5
Antihistamine
A type of drug that can treat conditions caused by high levels of histamine, which is a chemical produced by your immune system.3,5
Autoimmune disorder
A condition that happens when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake.2,6
B
Biopsy
A procedure to remove a piece of tissue, such as skin, to test in a laboratory.5
C
Chronic
A health condition lasting for longer than 6 weeks.1
Comorbidity
A condition that is present at the same time as another condition.2
Complication
A side effect of a disease or treatment. Complications can negatively affect health outcomes.
Corticosteroid
A type of drug that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.5,7
Cutaneous
Describes a disorder or symptom that affects only the skin.1
Cyclosporine
A drug that may help relieve symptoms of chronic hives by suppressing the immune system.5
D
Dermatologist
A doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.2,8
F
First-generation antihistamine
The first type of antihistamines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They cause drowsiness because they can cross the blood-brain barrier.5,9
H
Histamine
A chemical released by your immune system. This leads to hives, itchiness, and other allergy symptoms.2
Hives
Raised, red bumps or splotches on the skin that may itch, burn, or sting.2
I
Idiopathic
Relating to a condition that happens without a known cause.2
Inducible
Describes hives caused by exposure to a physical stimulus or trigger. Inducible means the same thing as physical.2
L
Leukotriene-receptor antagonist
A type of drug used to treat allergies and asthma by blocking the effect of a chemical called leukotriene.5,10
O
Over-the-counter
Describes medicines you can buy without a prescription.9
P
Physical
Describes hives caused by exposure to a physical stimulus or trigger. Physical means the same thing as inducible.2
S
Second-generation antihistamine
The second class of antihistamines to be approved by the FDA. These drugs do not cause drowsiness and are safer than first-generation antihistamines.5,9
Spontaneous
Describes hives that arise without a known cause or trigger.2
Symptom
A sign or evidence of a certain condition.2
Systemic
Describes a condition or symptom that affects multiple organs or the whole body.2
T
Topical
Describes a treatment that is used on a particular spot on the skin.5
U
Urticaria
The medical term for hives.2,4
W
Wheals/Welts
Areas of the skin that are raised, red, and itchy. Wheals/welts mean the same thing as hives.2,4
X
Xolair® (omalizumab)
A medicine used to treat chronic hives by blocking proteins involved in the allergy response.5