Angioedema: symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is angioedema?

Angioedema is swelling under the skin caused by an allergic reaction. This condition is similar to hives, except that it occurs on the surface of the skin and can cause itching.

During an allergic reaction, your body reacts to the allergen (a foreign substance that causes the body to react) by releasing histamine into the bloodstream. This condition can affect the lips and the area around the eyes.

In severe cases, angioedema is a condition that can also cause swelling of the tongue and throat, which can cause difficulty breathing. This condition can be life-threatening and requires medical attention.

When this skin condition is passed from parent to child through genetics, it is known as hereditary angioedema. Quoted from Healthline, this condition has a different cause of this swelling, however, the symptoms and treatment are similar.

This can be a serious medical condition. However, if treated properly, chances of recovery can be successful. If you have a mild condition, you can recover on your own, without any treatment.

How common is this condition?

Angioedema is a common condition. About 15% to 20% of all people will experience this itching or swelling, at least once in their life.

This condition can go away on its own in many people. This condition may come back after infection, when under stress, or for no particular reason.

Sometimes, angioedema is a recurring problem that will recur throughout life. This swelling condition is rarely caused by a serious underlying disease. It also won't make you sick or cause damage to vital organs, such as your kidneys, liver, or lungs.

This condition can occur in men and women at any age. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of angioedema?

The main symptom of angioedema is swelling of the deep layers under the skin. Sometimes it can be red, warm, and painful. Swelling in one spot usually occurs within a day or two.

However, the swelling will move from one place to another and last for several days and can become chronic. Conditions that are up to a chronic stage can occur, although they are uncomfortable and disturbing. Usually, however, it will not be a more serious disease.

Angioedema is a condition that can occur anywhere on the body, but is more common on the eyelids, lips, tongue and throat. If it occurs outside the body it is usually harmless. It can also occur in the body, in the intestines and lungs (respiratory tract). Where this condition can potentially cause difficulty breathing, and can be serious and even fatal.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Mild symptoms may not require treatment. Meanwhile, severe symptoms may need to be treated. Call your doctor if symptoms last for several days or if you have trouble breathing and your symptoms get worse.

Cause

What causes angioedema?

Common causes of angioedema are allergic reactions to using new drugs, eating new foods, and wearing new perfumes. However, foods or medicines used in the past without any problems can still cause an allergic reaction at a later time.

This condition cannot be removed and is not an infection, although infection can also cause this condition. Certain allergic conditions can occur due to heredity.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for angioedema?

The risk factors for angioedema are:

• Allergy to food or other chemicals.
• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and leukemia and lymphoma.
• Family history of having this condition.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for angioedema?

Treatment is usually used to treat moderate to severe symptoms. Mild symptoms may not require treatment. If the cause is known, it needs to be treated immediately. Treatment for angioedema is:

• Cold compress treatment can provide comfort. Lotions and creams usually don't help because they can't absorb deeply enough when they are applied to the skin.
• Antihistamines function as a reduction in histamine in the blood. If the allergen is no longer present, angioedema will recover. If the allergen is still there, antihistamines can be taken regularly to treat the condition. Antihistamines can have side effects (drowsiness or dry mouth) but some antihistamines can have fewer side effects than others.

Steroids are the more potent drugs (prednisone or other steroids). These drugs are used to boost the immune system. These medications may be needed for more severe cases if antihistamine alone does not treat the condition.

What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?

The doctor will likely check for swollen skin and the tendency for the swelling to come back again before giving a proper diagnosis. Blood tests can be done but will usually not affect the type of treatment given.

Your doctor may also review your family history of angioedema.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat angioedema?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with angioedema:

• Use a cold compress on the swollen area and warm.
• Take your medication as directed by your doctor and pharmacist.
• Keep a journal for any allergens that may be causing the angioedema, such as new foods, medicines, soaps, perfumes or clothes. This will make it easier for you to avoid these items.
• Ask your doctor about your medication.
• Contact your doctor if there is no change in angioedema within 2 or 3 days of antihistamine therapy.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.