Is There a Link Between Chronic Urticaria and Helicobacter Pylori?

Is there a relationship between chronic urticaria and Helicobacter pylori?

Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with chronic urticaria recently.
A physician I consulted earlier mentioned that it might be stress-induced urticaria, so I stopped taking medication and adjusted my lifestyle, which has alleviated the symptoms.
However, I recently came across a report indicating that Helicobacter pylori may also trigger urticaria.
I often experience bloating, acid reflux, and a sensation of something stuck in my throat.
Could this be related to Helicobacter pylori? Additionally, is there a direct association between Helicobacter pylori and urticaria?

Xiao Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/29

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, various types of infections, including Helicobacter pylori, have been confirmed to have a direct or indirect relationship with urticaria.
However, allergic reactions are usually caused by multiple factors, making it challenging to definitively establish that Helicobacter pylori is the sole cause of urticaria.
Regarding your condition, here are a few suggestions:
1.
You may consider undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or a breath test to confirm the presence of gastrointestinal issues or Helicobacter pylori infection.
2.
For the allergic component, you might want to consult a dermatologist, immunologist, or family medicine specialist for allergen testing.
3.
Engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a consistent routine can help improve allergic conditions.
4.
Observe your daily life to identify what triggers your allergies and try to avoid those triggers.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2019/12/29

More Info

Chronic urticaria, commonly known as chronic hives, is a condition characterized by the recurrent appearance of itchy welts on the skin. It can be triggered by various factors, including stress, allergens, medications, and infections. One area of interest in recent medical research is the potential link between chronic urticaria and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining and is known to cause conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Your inquiry about the connection between chronic urticaria and H. pylori is quite relevant, especially considering your symptoms of gastric discomfort, including bloating and acid reflux. Some studies have suggested that H. pylori infection may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria. The proposed mechanism is that the presence of H. pylori could lead to an immune response that may trigger or exacerbate urticaria in susceptible individuals. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive, and further research is needed to establish a definitive link.

In your case, the symptoms you describe—such as bloating and acid reflux—could indeed be indicative of an H. pylori infection. These symptoms are common in individuals with gastritis or peptic ulcers, conditions that H. pylori is known to cause. If you suspect that you might have an H. pylori infection, it would be prudent to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend tests such as a breath test, stool antigen test, or endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the presence of H. pylori.

If H. pylori is found to be present, treating the infection with a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help alleviate both gastric symptoms and potentially improve your chronic urticaria. Some studies have reported that successful eradication of H. pylori can lead to a significant reduction in urticaria symptoms in some patients, although this is not universally observed.

It's also important to consider other potential triggers for your chronic urticaria. Stress, certain foods, medications, and environmental factors can all contribute to the condition. Keeping a diary of your symptoms and potential triggers may help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and develop a more effective management plan.

In summary, while there is some evidence suggesting a potential link between H. pylori infection and chronic urticaria, the relationship is complex and not fully understood. If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of H. pylori infection, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate testing and management. Additionally, addressing lifestyle factors and potential triggers for your urticaria can also play a crucial role in managing your condition.

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