TREATING URTICARIA
The goal of treatment is to treat the disease until it is gone.¹ If you are unsatisfied with your current treatment results, tell your doctor so you can make informed decisions about your ongoing care – together.
Finding the right treatment for you
CSU is an unpredictable disease that often lasts for up to five years, sometimes longer, and should be managed in consultation with a doctor. With treatment, symptoms can be completely controlled and sustained, restoring quality of life.
Don’t put off telling your doctor about those things that you cannot do anymore because of your CSU and what you want from a treatment to help you with these things. Treatment recommendations will be based on the information you give them, and they are willing to listen if you tell them your current care plan isn’t doing enough for you.
There are many ‘stepwise’ treatments and dosing options available for CSU. It is important to regularly measure how well your treatment regimen is working in order for your healthcare professional to ‘step up’ or ‘step down’ treatment.
You and your doctor can work together to find the best treatment plan for you. Shared decision making will allow you to be involved in finding the best way forward to gain the control you need to live the life you want. Here are some options your doctor might recommend based on your condition.
CSU is a chronic condition with an estimated duration of 1–5 years in most cases4
The importance of regularly measuring your condition
Keeping a regular record of the severity and frequency of your condition will really help your healthcare professional to gain a deeper understanding of your urticaria. It can even help them to diagnose you with chronic spontaneous urticaria if your symptoms have persisted for more than six weeks.
Talking to your doctor
If you find yourself changing or cancelling plans, missing out on being with friends and family, unable to work effectively or struggling to sleep because of your CSU, then speak to your doctor again and ask about the possibility of a treatment that will give you better control of your symptoms. Treatment is individual and there are different options available. You can work in partnership with your doctor to find the best treatment for you to gain control of your symptoms and live the life you want to live. Talk openly and honestly with them to ensure they understand the full impact that CSU is having on your day-to-day life.
By asking questions, you can be clearer about your options and have a better idea of what’s right for you and your life. The sooner you do so, the sooner you and your doctor can agree a better way forward.
Your patient pathway with urticaria
Work with your healthcare provider to help familiarise yourself with the expected patient pathway for Urticaria treatment. Protocols and services vary by region and locality, so it is important to consult them on what you can expect from your care.
As with any chronic condition, CSU needs ongoing management. Even if you feel happy with your care, it’s important to attend all your check-ups and keep communicating with your doctor so they can monitor your progress and adapt their approach if and when necessary. If you feel you aren’t getting any better being managed by your doctor, ask to see a specialist.
