Friday, May 17, 2013

Typical Causes And Treatments For Angioedema

By Jennie Sandoval


Angioedema is a severe swelling under the skin that can be likened to urticaria, a type of skin rash that can be encountered along with an itchy bump. The only difference it has is that urticaria is experienced on the surface of the skin. The treatment for angioedema may depends much on the situation. There are cases for which this is acquired while others can be hereditary. Hereditary angioedema is often treated with an epinephrine drug. Acquired ones where suffocation and airway obstruction potentially occur along should be taken to a health provider.

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.

Chemosis, difficulty of breathing and abdominal cramping are other common symptoms of this edema. While mild symptoms might not need any treatment, but moderate to severe ones need medications other than allergens. People suffering from such are advised not to use medications that may cause such symptoms and anything not prescribed by a doctor.

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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