Angioedema Treatment: Treatments for angioedema can be classified into four basic categories which makes it easier to define appropriate treatments
. Each is effective against one condition type. The types of angioedema are allergic angioedema, drug induced angioedema, hereditary angioedema, and acquired angioedema.
Treatment: The best treatment depends on which type is presenting as follows:
Allergic Angioedema should be treated by strict avoidance of the allergen. Use of antihistamines as well as steroid therapy can also help alleviate symptoms.
Drug induced angioedema: immediate discontinuation of drug triggering the condition as well as drug therapy to alleviate symptoms immediately.
Hereditary angioedema: avoidance of stimuli triggering the angioedema as well as drug therapy to alleviate symptoms immediately.
Drug therapy is the only appropriate treatment for acquired angioedema. It should be closely monitored to ensure that any adverse effects are caught and rectified immediately.
In some instances the condition may be mild enough that it doesn't require official treatment. In these cases cool compresses or soaks can be used to relieve pain or discomfort caused by the condition. But any case that results in breathing difficulty should be treated as a medical emergency.
There are many medications that physicians may consider when attempting to prescribe appropriate drug therapy for angioedema patients. Some of these are: Tagamet, epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, etc. When breathing difficulty presents itself it is best to seek medical attention. Once the patient is in a hospital a tube can be inserted to open the airways and keep them open allowing the patient to breathe freely.
Summary: Angioedema treatments often include drug therapy treatments. These must be prescribed and administered with care and require close monitoring. Possible adverse effects could worsen the original condition.