Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Angioedema
Angioedema, which is also called by others as Quincke's edema
, is the swelling occurring in the tissue under the skin's surface. The skin ailment is usually an allergic reaction to a medication or food.
Occurrence of Angioedema should also be given proper attention and focus because it may indicate an underlying condition of more serious ailment or sickness like leukemia or Hodgkin's disease.
In the medical world, there are two basic divisions or classification of angioedema. One, it can be hereditary angioedema or HAE---this is genetically acquired or inborn and will tend to constantly recur despite intense treatment.
The other is termed 'acquired angioedema or AAE, which as the name suggests is acquired through other means beyond genetic factors.
Angioedema can take minutes or even hours to completely develop. One interesting thing about angioedema is that it can infect or affect one side or area of the body, while the other side, or other areas, is not affected.
It is important to know basic facts, prevention and treatment of angioedema because the skin ailment could be fatal if untreated.
Identifying angioedema
Symptoms and indications that a person has angioedema vary. Usually, the disease affect the eyelids, the tongue, the lips, the palms, the soles, the throat, and shocking as it may be, in several instances in the genitals. Any from these body areas can feel pain and burning sensation. Often, the infected part is also swollen.
Breathing troubles, especially those instances characterized by swollen or tight-feeling throat with hoarseness can also indicate the presence of angioedema.
In some recorded instances, there were also abdominal pain and diarrhea. These can be accompanied by reduced or diminished appetite and sometimes, nausea or vomiting.
Physically, one can simply tell if a person has angioedema if the area surrounding or around the eyes of a person is extraordinarily swollen. To verify the suspicion, check if the person has discolored rashes or patches in the face, the feet, the hands, and if it will possible to check on this body area, the genital or sex organ.
There is another type of angioedema that is also called angioedema-eosinophilia syndrome, when the person feel like having fever, hives or itchiness. This form of angioedema is also characterized by high level or count of white blood cells, muscle pain, weight gain or decreased or diminished urination.
Treating angioedema
Doctors and hospital personnels' first and primary concern when treating angioedema is making sure that airway is unblocked or open or that the breathing is practically not disturbed.
There are several drugs that are often prescribed to treat the disease. Among them are antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine.
If the angioedema attack is somehow severe, make sure the patient is rushed to the nearest hospital because professional personnel will have to first open blocked airways to help stabilize the victim's condition.
Prevention
There are several food additives and foods that are known to trigger angioedema attacks on several people. If you have an angioedema history, it is important to stay away or eliminate the following food from your daily diet.
- Berries
- Chocolate
- Legumes
- Seafood
- Milk
- Eggs
- Nuts
Some people are also advised not to eat citrus fruits and food and beverage with sulfites, including some fermented beverages.
Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Angioedema
By: Jill Samuel
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