HeatHives.com-Cholinergic Urticaria and Hives

What is Cholinergic Urticaria?

Cholinergic Urticaria is a name given to a type of hives that usually has a specific set of symptoms. The name itself describes the condition.

The word “cholinergic” means “related to acetylcholine.” Acetylcholine is a chemical used in the parasympathic nervous system. It acts as a neurotransmitter.

The word “urticaria” originates from the Latin word urtica, which means stinging nettle. A stinging nettle is the name of a plant that has small hair-like needles that sting if touched by humans.

Basically it is a great way to sum up the condition in 2 words: “heat hives” or “physical hives.”  More specifically, it is a type of hives that usually occurs when a person experiences any increase in body temperature or certain physical or chemical stimulation that results in a reaction of hives, itching, or bumps. 

So if a person exercises, gets nervous or embarrassed, goes from a cool climate into a warm climate, eats spicy foods, or anything else that would normally cause the body to become heated or increase quickly can cause symptoms to appear.

It is very different from other similar types of hives. For example, there is also something known as “exercise induced hives” or “exercised induced angioderma.” 

Usually the exercised induced anaphylaxis condition is different because during exercise the body begins to experience anaphylactic shock symptoms “such as swelling of the lips, throat, etc.” as opposed to cholinergic urticaria where the symptoms are also painful, yet rarely involve swelling & anaphylactic shock.

There are also other conditions that can be mistaken for cholinergic urticaria. For example, miliaria is a condition called “prickly heat.” It is not the same kind of “prickly heat” felt by cholinergic urticaria sufferers.

Instead, miliaria is the result of clogged & infected sweat pores/glands that produce several small red bumps (similar to the size of a large pimple) that itches & usually persists for several days or weeks before finally disappearing.

Who Does Cholinergic Urticaria (heat hives) Affect?

Cholinergic urticaria can affect both men & women. It appears it may be slightly more common in men, but can affect anyone. Studies vary & suggest that the disease could be affecting between 2%-12%.
The majority of sufferers report symptoms appearing around the age of 18-35, although symptoms could occur at any age.

Also, it appears to be a world-wide occurrence. People have reported this condition in various locations such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, etc.

How is Cholinergic Urticaria (chronic heat hives) Diagnosed?

Cholinergic urticaria can be diagnosed by a physician or any medically trained person specializing in hives or skin conditions. A diagnosis could be as simple as the doctor listening to your symptoms, or they may give a few simple observation-based tests to observe the reaction before confirming the diagnosis of cholinergic urticaria.

One test that is sometimes given is called an “exercise or sweat test.”  In this test procedure, doctors may observe your symptoms before exercising or becoming hot. Then, you will be placed in an environment in which you will exercise or be placed in a room that is heated. They will then observe your symptoms of the hives reaction & make the diagnosis.

Another test that is sometimes performed (usually just for research purposes) involves injecting acetylcholine into the body. In some cases it can cause a wheal (small allergic response). However, not everyone with cholinergic urticaria will show a reaction.

Other than these simple tests, there is currently no other way to diagnose cholinergic urticaria. There are no other known blood test being used to confirm diagnosis.

Learn About the Signs & Symptoms of Cholinergic Urticaria & Treatments