Many factors are known or suspected of contributing towards Urticaria, unfortunately even with modern day medical practices, identifying any specific route cause is almost impossible.
Listed below are some widely accepted risk factors, and causes which are known to be contributing factors. Also listed are some lesser known possibility’s which research indicates may also have a bearing. This is just a small list of some risk factors thought to be responsible for and attributed to Urticaria, many prescribed and over the counter drugs may also play a very damaging part.
GENETICS / FAMILY
Studies into the cause’s of Urticaria suggest the association of specific genes which could be linked to certain types of Urticaria conditions. Its thought that Urticaria or genes containing the condition may be passed down through family generations. Having the gene passed to you through family puts you at a higher risk of developing Urticaria, known as genetic predisposition, this however does not mean you will develop the condition.
SMOKING
Smoking cigarettes and passive smoking has damaging effects on many parts of the human body, Its clear to everyone what smoking does to their heart and lungs, not to mention their skin. You may be surprised to learn that studies now indicate a very strong link between smoking and autoimmune disease.
The connection is yet to be fully understood, but research has shown that smoking releases excess free radicals and toxins into the bloodstream. Excess free radicals along with numerous other toxins are known to attack and effect the immune system, which may cause abnormality in white blood cells.
ALLERGIES / FOOD INTOLERANCE’S
There are very few foods which cause obvious allergic reactions, the best known are probably peanuts. Not knowing what foods you may be allergic to is a real problem, a bigger problem than you might imagine.
Many people go through life with food intolerance’s and never show any classical signs of an allergy, for this reason they may never suspect their favorite food may be the cause of their arthritis. Symptoms of food intolerance’s, when apparent are more often than not delayed reactions, so even if you do display symptoms it can still be difficult to link a reaction with a particular food.
CANDIDIASIS
Candida is normally a harmless yeast contained within the gastrointestinal tract, under normal circumstances candida is a sugar fermenting yeast which along with other micro-organisms help break down and digest food.
The human body’s biochemistry is very fragile and may be easily thrown off balance. Candida can transform itself from part of the body’s natural yeast, into a pathogenic fungus, a condition known as candidiasis. The transformation of candida into candidiasis can be caused by the prolonged use of antibiotics, stress, diabetes, acidic pH level, & depleted immune system.
HEAVY METAL POISONING / METAL TOXICITIES
Heavy metal poisoning has become a major health problem in recent history and will inevitably become much worse, as more countries become industrialised nations. Metals and industrial bi products seep into the water and enter the food chain. Heavy metals have a density of over five times that of water, the human body is unable to successfully break down the foreign bodies and is forced to retain them.
BACTERIA & PARASITES
When the immune system is overloaded either through viral exposure or toxic metals and/or chemicals and your body becomes overwhelmed, it is easy for parasites and bacteria to get a foothold. This is not surprising, as we are all exposed to them on a daily basis.
Unhealthy bacteria such as spirochaetes, as well as viruses and dinoflagellates (algae which produce nasty toxins), can colonise your liver and its biliary system, causing the synthesis of very long-chain saturated or renegade fats that lead to liver toxicity.
Scary reading I know, but when you’ve suffered for so many years with urticaria and Angioedema, being told you just have an allergy can become a little frustrating. The good news is, almost all underlying conditions which might be responsible for triggering urticaria attacks can be treated relatively simply without drugs.