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What are the symptoms of chronic hives?

Symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticariaTrusted Source can include:

raised or swollen welts on your skin (hives or wheals) that appear and reappear over the course of 6 weeks

itching that is sometimes severe

swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat (angioedema)

Your hives may change size, fade, and reappear. Heat, exercise, or stress may aggravate your symptoms.

What causes chronic hives, and who’s at risk?

Chronic idiopathic urticaria isn’t an allergy and isn’t contagious. It’s probably caused by a combination of factors.

These may include environmental irritants, your immune system, and genetics. It can also be a response to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.

Chronic idiopathic urticaria activates the immune response system. It also affects your hormones, nervesTrusted Source, and the clotting processes in the blood.Trusted Source

Any of these things may trigger an outbreak of hivesTrusted Source:

pain medications

infection

insects or parasites

scratching

heat or cold

stress

sunlight

exercise

alcohol or food

pressure on your skin from tight clothing

Ear infections are a significant health issue in Africa, with various factors contributing to their prevalence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ear infections are a leading cause of hearing loss in Africa.

Prevalence of Ear Infections in Africa:*

- The WHO reports that over 40 million people in Africa live with hearing loss, with a prevalence of 3.6%
- It's estimated that 54 million people in Africa will have disabling hearing loss by 2030, and this number is projected to rise to 97 million by 2050

*Causes of Ear Infections in Africa:

- Chronic otitis media (COM) is a significant cause of hearing loss in Africa, accounting for a substantial proportion of cases.
- Other causes include impacted wax, presbycusis, ototoxicity, and meningitis.
- Infections common in childhood, such as measles, meningitis, and mumps, can also lead to ear infections and hearing loss.

*Challenges in Addressing Ear Infections in Africa.*

- Limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, contributes to the high prevalence of ear infections and hearing loss.
- There is a significant shortage of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, audiologists, and other healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat ear infections in Africa.
- The cost of ear care services and devices, such as hearing aids, is often prohibitively expensive for many individuals in Africa.

*Prevention and Treatment:*

- Preventing ear infections through good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, and avoiding exposure to loud noises can help reduce the risk of ear infections.
- Early detection and treatment of ear infections can help prevent long-term damage and hearing loss.
- Increasing access to ear care services, including ENT specialists and audiologists, and making ear care devices more affordable can help address the burden of ear infections in Africa.