Welcome to the Passion for Patients podcast by GAAPP and We See You! In this inspiring episode, your host Kristen Willard sits down with allergy specialist Karen Rance to dig deep into chronic urticaria—known as CU. Together, they unpack what chronic hives really are, the emotional weight of living with a misunderstood condition, and the latest advances in diagnosis, treatment, and self-management. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or living with chronic urticaria yourself, you’ll find expert insight, hope, and practical tools in today’s conversation.

Here are the 5 Key Takeaways from this Passion for Patients episode with Kristen Willard and Karen Rance:

1. Chronic Urticaria Defined:Karen Rance emphasizes that chronic urticaria (CU) is diagnosed when hives or swelling persist for six weeks or longer. This distinguishes CU from acute allergic reactions, which are brief and usually have a clear cause, making CU a sometimes misunderstood condition.

2. Diagnosis Relies on Patient Involvement:The main tools for diagnosing CU are a detailed clinical history and patient-provided documentation. Both Karen Rance and Kristen Willard stress the importance of journaling symptoms, tracking possible triggers, and taking photos, especially since symptoms may not always be visible during medical appointments. Standardized tools like the Urticaria Activity Score and angioedema control test can also help.

3. Exciting Advances in Treatment:While antihistamines are the first line of defense, there’s real progress: two biologics (omalizumab and duvalizumab) are now available for those with hard-to-control symptoms. The conversation encourages patients to stay informed about all treatment options and discuss them openly with their healthcare providers, as access and global advocacy continue to improve.

4. Triggers and Stress Management:Triggers for CU are highly individual and can include allergens, stress, temperature changes, medications, or even daily routines like bathing. Identifying triggers (when possible) through journaling not only helps with management but can also ease feelings of self-blame. Stress reduction and routine self-care, even between flare-ups, are vital for better outcomes.

5. Empowerment through Advocacy and Community:Many patients experience misdiagnosis and isolation, but Karen Rance urges seeking out empathetic healthcare providers, leaning on support networks, and using resources (apps or simple journals) for self-advocacy. Above all, the message is clear: you are not alone. Thanks to ongoing research, advocacy, and education, there is hope—and a growing community ready to support you.

Thank you for joining us for this empowering episode of Passion for Patients. We hope you’re walking away with renewed hope and actionable strategies for managing chronic urticaria. Remember, you are not alone—there’s a global community fighting for improved care and understanding, and plenty of support along the way. For more information, resources, and practical tools, visit the GAAPP website and the We See You initiative. Until next time, keep advocating for your health, stay connected, and know that there is hope ahead!

#ChronicUrticaria #HivesAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #AllergySupport#HopeForPatients