Causes And Treatments For Angioedema

By Jennie Sandoval


Angioedema is a rapid swelling in the deeper layers of skin which can be likened to that of urticaria or hives, a kind of skin rash often encountered along with itchy bumps. The only difference this has is that urticaria occurs on the surface not under the skin. Treatment for angioedema depends on the case. Angioedema can be hereditary and acquired. Hereditary cases are often treated with epinephrine while those that are acquired where airway obstruction and suffocation likely occur are treated as a medical emergency.

Angioedema is often caused by an allergic reaction. Naturally, the body releases histamine through the bloodstream during the reaction the moment the immune system discovers a strange substance particularly an allergen. In some cases, allergies do not pose acute edema which is why allergic reactions are not treated with medical substances targeting both ailments.

Individuals with sensitive skin may experience rapid swelling after long sun, water or heat exposure. Some may get it through the type of food they eat. Eggs, berries and nuts are the biggest culprits triggering the spread of the under-skin swelling. Other people, on the other hand, experience this after taking allergy drugs such as blood pressure medicines, antibiotics and non-steriodal anti-inflammatory.

Insect bites and sting can also give rise to this edema. Bites even from ordinary ants can cause severe itching. And though allergic reactions to mosquito bites or sting from bees and wasps are not often encountered by most people, there are severe instances that prompt nervous system reaction causing the rise of edema to intensify.

This can occur after suffering from infections or illnesses just like lupus and lymphoma. More often than not, this swelling occurs around the lips and eyes. This can likewise be seen on the feet and throat. Swelling can be noticeable through the strange line it forms the moment it spreads out.

This also runs in families. Yet, what fuels the swelling in appearing is a person's C1 inhibitor's improper functioning. C1 inhibitor is the body's protease inhibitor which secrets essential amount of protein that the body needs. Protein deficiency can significantly affect one's blood vessels. Those who have such syndrome are likely to develop swelling around the larynx, face, trachea, hands and feet.

Abdominal cramping, chemosis and difficulty of breathing are other known symptoms of this. While mild symptoms may need no treatment, moderate to severe require certain medications other than allergen. People suffering from this are advised to avoid anything that causes such symptoms and over-the-counter products that are prescribed by a physician.

Antihistamines, epinephrine shots and inhalers are ideal for this especially when a person has trouble breathing. Cool compresses can significantly alleviate pain but those who have history of serious symptoms are encouraged to carry epinephrine shots with them. Some anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids can be good for this, too, as these block several immune system responses to allergic medication.

Appropriate treatment for angioedema can only be attained upon consultations with the right health care provider. And if in case the medications fail to react, one should better go immediately to an emergency facility especially when wheezing or fainting.




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