Recognize angioedema syndrome, leg swelling to the sex organs

Angioedema syndrome, the cause of body swelling

Angioedema syndrome is swelling of the skin layer, subcutaneous tissue, or mucous membrane that occurs suddenly.

Not only the eyes, hands, lips, or feet, this syndrome can also cause the intestines, genitals, tongue, throat and larynx to swell.

The swelling usually goes away on its own in 1 to 3 days.

However, swelling that occurs in the upper airway and digestive tract, can cause life-threatening asphyxia (lack of oxygen), severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Apart from the appearance of swelling, angioedema syndrome can also cause other symptoms, such as:

The appearance of a sensation of heat and pain in the swollen area
Swelling of the tongue, larynx, or throat can make breathing difficult
Swelling of the transparent layer that covers part of the eye (conjunctiva) can interfere with vision
Abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea due to swollen intestines
Difficulty urinating due to swelling of the bladder and urethra

Why does angioedema syndrome occur?

This syndrome that makes the body swell has various causes. However, in most cases, the exact cause is not known.

Some of the common causes of angioedema syndrome include:

Allergy

Angioedema often occurs as a result of an allergic reaction. This condition is often referred to as allergic angioedema. The trigger can be various things, such as food, chemicals, or insect bites.

Allergic reactions arise because the body mistakenly recognizes a substance as a dangerous substance. The body then makes antibodies which instead attack the body and cause swelling.

Genetic

In rare cases, angioedema syndrome occurs because of a genetic error inherited from your parents. This genetic error affects the genes responsible for producing the substance C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH).

C1INH is a protein in the blood. Its job is to help the immune system from infection and remove dead cells that are not needed by the body.

If there is an error in the production of C1INH, the person will be susceptible to infection or have an autoimmune disorder. One of them, the immune system mistakenly recognizes certain substances, causing angioedema.

Drug

Angioedema can also occur as a result of drug use. The condition can appear when the new drug is taken, several months later, or years later.

There are several types of drugs that are prone to causing angioedema syndrome, including:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and ramipril, are used to treat hypertension.
Ibuprofen and other types of painkillers,
Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs), such as irbesartan, losartan, valsartan, and olmesartan, which are used to treat hypertension

For no apparent reason

Angioedema with no known cause is known as idiopathic angioedema. However, health experts believe that this condition can be triggered by stress, hot or cold temperatures, minor infections, and strenuous activity.

Treatment for people with angioedema syndrome

The main treatment for this syndrome is by taking medication. However, drug administration must be adjusted according to the type of angioedema.

In allergic and idiopathic angioedema, the doctor will give you a combination of antihistamines and corticosteroids to relieve swelling.

Meanwhile, for drug-induced angioedema syndrome, it can be treated with the use of safer drugs without triggering symptoms.

Hereditary (hereditary / genetic) angioedema will not respond to antihistamines or steroid drugs. That is why, to treat this type of body swelling is directed towards preventive measures.

Patients will also be given drugs to stabilize protein levels in the blood to prevent symptoms.

In patients who experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, an injection of adrenaline auto-injector will be given to prevent the symptoms of angioedema syndrome from getting worse.