Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria/angioedema.

Chronic urticaria/angioedema (CUA) continues to be a vexing condition for both patients and health care providers. Despite progress made in recent years to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of CUA and its treatment, many patients continue to experience ongoing symptoms and impaired quality of life. In the overwhelming majority of cases, a definite etiology is not identified. Laboratory testing may be justified based on its "reassurance value"; however, extensive routine testing is not favorable from a cost-benefit standpoint and does not lead to improved patient care outcomes. The target for effective management is to control CUA with a combination of avoidance measures, lifestyle changes, and regular administration of medication. A step-care approach to pharmacologic management that is favorable from the standpoint of balancing the potential for benefit with the potential for harm can lead to substantial improvement in quality of life. This article will focus on achieving improved outcomes for patients with CUA based on evidence-directed recommendations for diagnosis and management.