Allergy and immunology problems and musculoskeletal specialists: new insights into the pathogenesis have led to advances in diagnosis and therapy.

It is not uncommon for nonallergy specialists to encounter patients with urticaria, angioedema, or complaints ofrecurring infections. Most cases of acute urticaria are self-limited and require only symptomatic treatment. Most chronic urticaria is idiopathic, although recent evidence suggests that about 40% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria have autoantibodies against the IgE receptor. Angioedema may occur in conjunction with or independent of urticaria. IgA deficiency and common variable immunodeficiency are primary immunodeficiencies that can present in adulthood, often with autoimmune manifestations. Knowledge of these allergy and immunology disorders leads to improved patient care through early recognition, appropriate initial evaluation and, when warranted, referral to an allergyand immunology specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]