Q.1 Which of the following best describes urticaria?
Raised, itchy wheals
Flat, scaly patches
Vesicular eruptions
Pustular lesions
Explanation - Urticaria presents as transient, raised, erythematous wheals associated with pruritus due to histamine release from mast cells.
Correct answer is: Raised, itchy wheals
Q.2 What is the primary mediator responsible for the symptoms of urticaria?
Histamine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Bradykinin
Explanation - Histamine released from mast cells causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, leading to wheals and itching in urticaria.
Correct answer is: Histamine
Q.3 Urticaria persisting for more than 6 weeks is classified as:
Acute urticaria
Chronic urticaria
Recurrent urticaria
Angioedema
Explanation - By definition, urticaria is considered chronic when symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks.
Correct answer is: Chronic urticaria
Q.4 Which condition is often associated with urticaria and involves deeper swelling?
Eczema
Angioedema
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Explanation - Angioedema involves deeper dermal and subcutaneous tissues, often seen with urticaria.
Correct answer is: Angioedema
Q.5 Which of the following is the most common cause of acute urticaria?
Autoimmune disease
Food allergy
Thyroid disease
Parasitic infection
Explanation - Acute urticaria is commonly triggered by food allergies, especially shellfish, nuts, and eggs.
Correct answer is: Food allergy
Q.6 Which drug class is first-line in the management of urticaria?
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids
Antibiotics
Immunosuppressants
Explanation - Non-sedating H1-antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment for urticaria.
Correct answer is: Antihistamines
Q.7 Which of the following is NOT a common trigger of urticaria?
Infections
Foods
Medications
Hyperglycemia
Explanation - Hyperglycemia is not associated with urticaria, while infections, foods, and medications are common triggers.
Correct answer is: Hyperglycemia
Q.8 Which feature distinguishes urticaria from vasculitic lesions?
Wheals last less than 24 hours
Presence of itching
Association with angioedema
Raised appearance
Explanation - Urticarial wheals typically resolve within 24 hours, while vasculitic lesions persist longer.
Correct answer is: Wheals last less than 24 hours
Q.9 Which immunoglobulin is primarily involved in IgE-mediated urticaria?
IgA
IgG
IgE
IgM
Explanation - IgE binds to mast cells and releases histamine upon allergen exposure, causing urticaria.
Correct answer is: IgE
Q.10 Which condition is characterized by urticaria induced by cold exposure?
Dermatographism
Cholinergic urticaria
Cold urticaria
Solar urticaria
Explanation - Cold urticaria presents with wheals after exposure to cold temperatures or objects.
Correct answer is: Cold urticaria
Q.11 Which test can help confirm physical urticaria due to stroking of the skin?
Skin biopsy
Dermatographism test
Patch test
Prick test
Explanation - In dermatographism, firm stroking of the skin elicits linear wheals within minutes.
Correct answer is: Dermatographism test
Q.12 Which type of urticaria is triggered by exercise or heat?
Cholinergic urticaria
Solar urticaria
Aquagenic urticaria
Contact urticaria
Explanation - Cholinergic urticaria is triggered by increased body temperature from exercise, hot baths, or stress.
Correct answer is: Cholinergic urticaria
Q.13 What is the main symptom of urticaria?
Pain
Itching
Bleeding
Scaling
Explanation - Pruritus (itching) is the hallmark symptom of urticaria.
Correct answer is: Itching
Q.14 Which organ system should be assessed in patients with urticaria and angioedema?
Respiratory system
Digestive system
Musculoskeletal system
Urinary system
Explanation - Angioedema may cause airway obstruction; respiratory assessment is crucial.
Correct answer is: Respiratory system
Q.15 Which of the following urticarias is caused by exposure to sunlight?
Cold urticaria
Solar urticaria
Cholinergic urticaria
Contact urticaria
Explanation - Solar urticaria presents as wheals triggered by sunlight exposure.
Correct answer is: Solar urticaria
Q.16 Which antihistamine is preferred for daytime use due to minimal sedation?
Diphenhydramine
Loratadine
Hydroxyzine
Chlorpheniramine
Explanation - Loratadine is a non-sedating second-generation antihistamine suitable for daytime use.
Correct answer is: Loratadine
Q.17 What percentage of the general population experiences urticaria at some point in life?
1-2%
5-7%
15-20%
30-35%
Explanation - Urticaria affects around 15–20% of individuals at some point in their lifetime.
Correct answer is: 15-20%
Q.18 Which of the following is a second-line treatment for refractory chronic urticaria?
Omalizumab
Topical steroids
Systemic antibiotics
Phototherapy
Explanation - Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is used for chronic urticaria unresponsive to antihistamines.
Correct answer is: Omalizumab
Q.19 Which laboratory test may be indicated in chronic urticaria with suspected autoimmune disease?
ANA test
Liver function test
Chest X-ray
ECG
Explanation - Autoimmune causes of chronic urticaria can be screened using ANA testing.
Correct answer is: ANA test
Q.20 Which term describes urticaria caused by pressure on the skin?
Dermatographism
Delayed pressure urticaria
Solar urticaria
Contact urticaria
Explanation - Delayed pressure urticaria appears several hours after sustained pressure on the skin.
Correct answer is: Delayed pressure urticaria
Q.21 Which of the following is a common symptom of angioedema but not typical urticaria?
Pain and swelling
Itching
Erythematous wheals
Transient rash
Explanation - Angioedema causes deeper swelling and is often painful rather than itchy.
Correct answer is: Pain and swelling
Q.22 Which systemic condition is most strongly associated with chronic urticaria?
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Asthma
Hypertension
Explanation - Autoimmune thyroid disease is commonly linked to chronic urticaria.
Correct answer is: Thyroid disease
Q.23 What is the mechanism of action of H1-antihistamines in urticaria?
Inhibit mast cell degranulation
Block histamine receptors
Decrease IgE production
Suppress cytokine release
Explanation - H1-antihistamines block histamine receptors, reducing itching and wheal formation.
Correct answer is: Block histamine receptors
Q.24 Which type of urticaria occurs due to contact with water?
Aquagenic urticaria
Cold urticaria
Solar urticaria
Contact urticaria
Explanation - Aquagenic urticaria is rare and triggered by contact with water regardless of temperature.
Correct answer is: Aquagenic urticaria
Q.25 Which of the following indicates a severe form of urticaria requiring emergency care?
Small, itchy wheals
Transient hives
Angioedema with airway compromise
Wheals lasting less than 12 hours
Explanation - Airway obstruction due to angioedema is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Correct answer is: Angioedema with airway compromise