Abstract
The introduction of new antihistamines and biologics has renewed the interest in chronic urticaria both in the field of investigation and clinical practice. The updated EAACI, GA(2)LEN, EDF, WAO recommendation for the definition, classification, diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria provide the physicians with evidence based and proved guide in diagnostics and therapy.
The most beneficial tool for assessing the type of chronic urticaria is the patient's history, taken in a stratified algorithm. Non sedating H1 antihistamines are the drug of the first choice, eventually in updosed regimen.
Third line therapy is represented by immunosupressant and immunomudulators as add on therapy. Some cases need to be dealed in an individual way, including the use of less common empirical drugs.
For the general management of chronic urticaria an adequate patient's education nad psychosomatic attitude are important. This article with schemes, tables, charts and educational patient's sheets provides a guide for physicians in daily practice.
The board of Czech Dermatovenerological Society has reccomended the EAACI, GA(2)LEN, EDF, WAO guideline to be used in medical practice in Czech Republic. Key words: chronic urticaria - guidelines for practice.