Chronic Hives Tests: Find Your Root Cause

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SUMMARY: In this article, we delve into chronic hives tests. Chronic spontaneous urticaria is usually diagnosed without running a lot of tests. Chronic hives can be attributed to an overactive immune response, and the treatment is the same regardless of underlying factors. Because of the approach that traditional medicine takes to treat symptoms instead of seeking to find a root cause, many with chronic hives find themselves frustrated at the lack of inquiry into what has caused their immune system to go haywire.

From a functional medicine standpoint, many underlying factors can be identified and treated through various tests such as blood or urine tests and elimination diets. These tests help functional practitioners uncover the underlying cause and determine an effective treatment plan.

Are you tired of your chronic hives with seemingly no reason behind them?

Do you wonder if specific tests could help you find the root cause?

Perhaps the answer lies deeper, in underlying conditions that common diagnostic tests might overlook.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please see your health care team for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The information shared here is from my own personal experience and research and is for educational purposes only.

Lab Testing for Chronic Hives

Let’s kick things off by discussing some initial lab tests that a general practitioner can order for you if you’re suffering from chronic hives.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to autoimmune diseases and allergies. Studies have also shown that CSU patients tend to have significant Vitamin D deficiency. An in-depth vitamin D test primarily involves a blood sample to measure the level of vitamin D in your body. Low levels could indicate an increased risk of chronic hives. You can read more about vitamin D and hives HERE.

A functional medicine practitioner will look at these numbers from a different perspective and may suggest supplementation even if your conventional doctor labels your labs as “normal.”

Many CSU patients experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms when taking high doses of Vitamin D supplements.

This is a test that you can ask your general practitioner for and testing and treatment may be covered by insurance. You can also order this test on your own HERE.

Ferritin + Iron + TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

This test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC).

Low iron or ferritin levels may exacerbate the symptoms of chronic hives and uncover potential iron storage conditions.

This is a test that you can ask your general practitioner for and testing and treatment may be covered by insurance. You can order your own iron studies test HERE.

A functional medicine practitioner will look at these numbers from a different perspective and may suggest supplementation even if your conventional doctor labels your lab as “normal.”

B12

In this study, serum B12 levels were found to be below the normal reference range in 33.3% of the patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. You can order your test HERE or ask your doctor to check your levels.

H Pylori

The H Pylori test is another important test that identifies the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria – a bacteria that can lead to inflammation and even ulcers in your stomach. It is performed using breath, biopsy, blood, or stool samples.

There is evidence linking H Pylori infection to chronic hives. In this study, the urticaria group that was tested and treated for H Pylori infection, 91.67% experienced remission after treatment and 3 months later 54.5% were still in complete remission, while in 18.2% experienced partial remission.

This is a test that you can ask your general practitioner for and testing and treatment may be covered by insurance. This test is included in the GI MAP stool test.

SIBO

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) test is a breath test checking for bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine. The test requires you to breathe into a tube, capturing samples of your breath for analysis. A positive SIBO test could point to gastrointestinal conditions that play a role in exacerbating chronic hives. people with SIBO have also been found more prone to developing chronic hives due to the condition’s ability to stimulate an immune response that can trigger hives.

This is a test that you need a gastroenterologist or functional medicine practitioner to order. Testing and treatment may be covered by insurance if ordered through your gastroenterologist.

Each of these tests offer a unique perspective on potential triggers or underlying conditions contributing to chronic hives. The more knowledge you have about your individual condition, the better your chance of managing it effectively.

You can order a SIBO breath test HERE.

Full Thyroid Panel

Full thyroid panel consists of several tests that analyze the functionality and health of your thyroid gland. The full thyroid panel includes:

  • TSH
  • Total T4
  • Total T3
  • Free T4
  • Free T3
  • Reverse T3 (rT3)
  • T3U
  • Free T4 Index
  • TPO and Anti-TG Antibodies (Hashimoto’s Screen, thyroid antibodies)

A malfunctioning thyroid could be a major factor causing chronic hives, as it triggers inflammation in the body. If your test results indicate an abnormality in thyroid function, it could explain the occurrence of chronic hives.

This is a test that you can ask your general practitioner for and testing and treatment may be covered by insurance. You can also order this test on your own HERE.

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)

ANA test is used to identify autoimmune disorders. It measures the amount and pattern of antibodies that work against your body’s tissues. A positive ANA test result may indicate an autoimmune disease, which can be a contributing factor to chronic hives. An ANA test can help in detecting underlying problems that may be causing your hives but it is not always positive in the presence of autoimmune conditions. A negative ANA does not mean that you don’t have an autoimmune condition, and a positive ANA is not a definitive diagnostic either. Rather, a positive ANA will lead your physician to do more investigating.

This is a test that you can ask your general practitioner for and testing and treatment may be covered by insurance.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

CRP is a protein made by your liver. It is usually sent into your bloodstream in response to inflammation. A high CRP level might indicate a high level of inflammation in the body. The majority of people with chronic hives will have normal levels of CRP (C-reactive protein).

Elevated CRP levels are associated with more severe symptoms, reduced quality of life, and a limited response to antihistamines. In cases of high CRP levels, your healthcare provider might consider conducting tests for potential autoimmune or infectious conditions.

This is a test that you can ask your general practitioner for and testing and treatment may be covered by insurance.

Functional Medicine Tests for Chronic Hives

There are some specialized test avenues that your physician will most likely not be open to, but an experienced functional medicine practitioner may explore to dig deeper into the root cause of chronic hives, especially if the basic and comprehensive tests do not fully explain your condition. These tests include the GI map, DUTCH Test, food sensitivities panel, heavy metals testing, and mold detection tests.

Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI Map)

GI Map is a comprehensive stool test that gives a detailed insight into your gut health. It aims at finding microbial imbalances, bacterial infections, parasites, H Pylori, yeast overgrowth – issues that can cause systemic inflammation provoking chronic hives. Uncovering these dysfunctions can be pivotal in treating chronic hives from within.

Some GI specialists may order this stool test, but more likely you will need a functional medicine practitioner or to order it on your own HERE.

The DUTCH Test

The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, or DUTCH Test, is a powerful tool in assessing hormone-related issues that can influence chronic hives. As the name implies, it involves analyzing dried urine samples collected at different times during the day. The test gives comprehensive insights into hormonal imbalances, adrenal health, and hormone metabolism. Conditions like a high or low cortisol level, or sex hormone imbalances could potentially trigger or exacerbate hives.

You can order a DUTCH test HERE.

Food Sensitivities Panel

A food sensitives panel is a blood test designed to identify individual food sensitivities. The test typically focuses on an array of common food allergens. The main goal is to detect whether an abnormal immune response to certain foods might be provoking or worsening chronic hives. Identification of specific food sensitivities can lead to dietary changes that reduce hives flare-ups.

You can order a food sensitivity panel HERE.

Heavy Metals Test

Chronic exposure to certain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or arsenic can be a hidden contributor to chronic hives. A heavy metals test involves using urine, blood, or hair samples to analyze and assess the body’s burden of toxic metals. Once identified, reducing heavy metal exposure could lead to significant improvements. Detection of high levels of heavy metals in the body or exposure to molds, could guide treatment in the direction of detoxification strategies or addressing environmental allergens, thus potentially leading to symptom improvement.

This comprehensive test measures amino acids, glutathione, organic acids, some nutrients, and heavy metals.

Mold Detection Tests

Mold, a common indoor and outdoor allergen, can be a significant factor in chronic hives. Using a combination of blood tests, allergy skin tests, or environmental testing, physicians can determine if mold exposure could be a contributor to chronic hives. It is especially relevant for individuals who live or work in buildings with past or current water damage, or in damp, mold-prone areas.

You can order a mold urine test HERE.

You can learn more about the mold mast cell connection HERE.

Understanding these specialized tests and their results can be a big step towards identifying the exact cause of your chronic hives and developing an effective, personalized treatment plan.

Correlation and Interpretation of Test Results

Upon completion of the necessary tests, interpretation of these test results becomes crucial in determining the potential triggers of your chronic hives. Each test provides a piece of the puzzle, and only by looking at the results as a collective can a holistic treatment strategy be identified. A functional medicine practitioner who specializes in hives will be able to provide the best insights and treatment plan to put your hives into remission.

Together, these tests create a comprehensive picture of an individual’s health. By connecting the dots between these individual results, practitioners can identify potential triggers and underlying conditions leading to chronic hives. This approach paves the way for a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.

Conclusion

In order to deal adequately with chronic hives, an in-depth understanding of an array of functional medicine tests is fundamental, as discussed in this article.

  • The correlation and interpretation of these results guide the design of an individualized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of chronic hives, not merely the symptoms.

Overall, these functional medicine tests are a vital piece of the puzzle in managing chronic hives. Armed with this detailed insight, patients and practitioners can work together to expose the triggers, address root causes, and pave the path towards relief from chronic hives.

It’s an intricate journey, but with the right direction and understanding, a hive-free future is definitely within reach.

Chronic Hives Tests FAQs

What is a functional medicine approach to chronic hives?

A functional medicine approach to chronic hives involves identifying and treating the root causes, rather than just managing the symptoms. This is achieved through various tests ranging from initial lab tests to comprehensive and specialized assessments. These tests give insight into various aspects including vitamin levels, gut health, inflammation, food sensitivities and more.

What can these tests reveal about chronic hives?

These tests can highlight underlying issues like vitamin deficiencies, gut disorders, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, or heavy metal toxicity that may be contributing to chronic hives. This helps in creating a more personalized treatment plan based on the specific triggers and underlying causes identified.

Are you feeling overwhelmed about managing your hives without medications? Grab my free guide Roadmap to Thrive With Hives: 5 key strategies to manage hives symptoms HERE.

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