Chronic Hives (Urticaria): A Surprising Diagnosis and an Often-Overlooked Cure

Published by Dr. M. Kyu Chung | Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine

Case of the Month

A 28-year-old woman came to our office with a long history of chronic hives that began when she was 15. She was initially treated with various antihistamines, and the symptoms eventually subsided—until they returned at age 21, this time more persistent and daily.

What we found:
Using Autonomic Response Testing (ART), we discovered an underlying intestinal parasite infection. She was treated with albendazole, and within two months, her chronic hives completely resolved. She has remained symptom-free for several years.

🎥 Watch her story:
Hives Patient Testimonial Video

Why Chronic Hives Are So Difficult to Treat

Most people with chronic hives go through a long cycle of treatments without ever finding the root cause. Here’s the typical journey:

1. Primary Care: Antihistamines are prescribed—sometimes they work partially, but only if taken continuously.
2. Dermatologist: Extensive bloodwork is often inconclusive. Patients are sometimes given an H2 blocker, typically used for acid reflux.
3. Allergist: Further testing rarely identifies a clear cause. Many patients are then bounced back to dermatologists.

In the end, most patients are left without a diagnosis and rely on medication to manage symptoms indefinitely.

Our Discovery: The Parasite Connection

Over 25 years ago, I began treating chronic hives with acupuncture. It helped—temporarily. But around 20 years ago, everything changed when I learned ART (Autonomic Response Testing).

To my surprise, over 95% of chronic hives patients tested positive for intestinal parasites. And even more remarkable—over 95% of those treated experienced complete, lasting remission.

A Family Effort

My wife, a dermatologist, began sending her hives patients to me. Every one of them improved. Eventually, I trained her to do a simplified version of ART, and she began treating her own patients—many of whom had been told they’d have to live with hives forever.

But Why Would Parasites Cause Hives?

The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but here’s what we know:

• The gut is packed with immune cells—when it’s inflamed, the whole body can suffer.
• Parasites cause low-grade, chronic inflammation that can lead to systemic symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, and skin issues including hives.

Why Your Doctor Probably Missed This

There are several reasons parasites are commonly overlooked:

1. Medical Bias

Doctors are taught that parasites are a “tropical” problem. If you haven’t traveled recently, they rarely consider it.

2. Limited Testing

Standard stool tests miss parasites for several reasons:

• Parasites shed eggs only at certain times.
• Eggs die quickly when exposed to air.
• Most labs don’t use preservatives in collection kits.
• Colonoscopy doesn’t help. It only examines the colon (not the small intestine where many parasites live), and the prep often flushes out visible signs.

3. Testing Doesn’t Cover All Parasites

There are many types—from microscopic amoebas to large tapeworms. Some, like liver flukes, don’t even live in the intestines and won’t show up in stool tests.

How Are Parasites Contracted?

• Raw imported fruits and vegetables
• Undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood
• Even organic produce can be risky if imported

Our Food Supply Is Global

While U.S.-grown produce is usually safe, most fruits and greens in winter are imported. And they often come from places where water supplies may be contaminated.

Doctors caution travelers not to eat fresh produce in some countries—but we import from those same regions every day.

Advice for Medical Practitioners

Standard diagnostics are not sensitive enough. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use specialty testing centers like PCI – Parasite Testing Center in Arizona
• Consider submitting 6 or more stool samples over time
• If a parasite is identified, treat with the appropriate anti-parasitic medication

For Holistic & Integrative Practitioners

We strongly recommend learning Autonomic Response Testing (ART). It has transformed our ability to diagnose and treat patients effectively.

👉 Learn more at: Klinghardt Institute
📞 Interested in training or a preceptorship? Contact us directly.

Contact Us

Dr. M. Kyu Chung
Director, Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine
Clinical Professor, Cooper Medical School

📞 Call: 856-222-4766 (ask for Carolann)
📧 Email: Brigid Bandomer – bbandomer@wonsookchungfoundation.org

If you’ve been struggling with chronic hives—or treating patients who are—don’t rule out parasites. It might just be the missing piece.