URTICARIA AND ANGIOEDEMA ACROSS THE AGES.

Abstract Chronic urticaria (CU) and angioedema can occur at any age. While most chronic urticaria with or without angioedema occurs in adults, it can also present in children or the elderly and can complicate pregnancy and breast-feeding. The presentations of chronic urticaria and angioedema are different in children, middle-aged adults and older patients as are the differential diagnoses. Therefore, management of chronic urticaria and angioedema in these different age groups and special populations needs to take into account the age-specific features of urticaria and angioedema. Here, we describe the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria and angioedema in children, middle-aged adults and older patients. This review focuses on CU with or without angioedema and does not discuss acute urticaria or bradykinin-mediated angioedema.