Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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 generally caused by allergic reactions. The body naturally releases histamine in the bloodstream upon reactions by the time the immune system detects a strange substance especially an allergen. In many cases, allergies never pose edema that is why common allergic reactions are never treated with any medical substances designed for both ailments.

People with sensitive skin can experience angioedema after long exposure to water, heat or sunlight. Some get this through what they eat. Berries, nuts and eggs are the common culprits which trigger under-skin swelling. Other individuals may encounter this minutes or hours after taking allergy medications like antibiotics, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory and blood pressure medicines.

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.

Epinephrine shots, inhalers and antihistamines are good for this more especially when an individual has trouble breathing. Cool compress can significantly alleviate pains but people who have certain history of serious symptom are encouraged to take epinephrine shots along with them. There are anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids could be ideal for this as well as for these can block immune system responses to allergic medications.

The right treatment for angioedema will be attained only upon consultation with the health care professional. And if the medication given does not seem to react, it is better to go to the emergency room right away especially when fainting and wheezing.




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