What is Angioedema?
Angioedema is also known as quincke’s edema which defined as the deep and rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissues, mucosa and sub mucosal tissues of the body due to an allergic reaction. Swelling in case of angioedema is similar to hives (urticaria) but the swelling is deep under the skin than on the surface.
What body areas are affected with Angioedema?
Angioedema is usually a non-pitting and nonpruritic type of edema. In acute attacks of angioedema, the common sites of body involved are skin, larynx, buccal mucosa and mucosa of gastrointestinal tract. If larynx is involved in angioedema then swelling of larynx is a life-threatening condition. The disease is usually associated with urticaria. Most of the times angioedema and urticaria occur together.
When angioedema attacks the area of the swelling which is peripheral or facial parts then pain may be absent or mild but it will be severe in gastrointestinal angioedema.
Angioedema otherwise come along with urticaria most of the times as it involves deeper layer of skin but in urticaria more superficial layer of the skin is involved. Involvement of mucosa is seen in angioedema but not in urticaria.
What are the Types of angioedema?
Angioedema is classified into two types:
Acquired angioedema: This can be of many types such as immunologic, idiopathic or non-immunologic. This type of angioedema is caused by allergy and comes along with other allergic symptoms and urticaria.
Hereditary angioedema (HAE): It exist in three forms-
• Type Ι- Occur when there are decreased levels of C1INH.
• Type ΙΙ- Occurs when there are normal levels, but functions are decreased of C1INH.
• Type ΙΙΙ- When there is no detectable abnormality in C1INH, occurs in an X-Linked dominant fashion and therefore this type mainly affects women.
What is the cause of angioedema?
The major cause of angioedema is allergic reaction. After the reaction there is release of histamine and other chemicals in bloodstream.
When the immune system detects a foreign substance, it releases histamine.
Following are the causes of angioedema:
• Animal dander.
• Foods such as berries, shellfish, nuts, fish, nuts, milk and eggs.
• Insect bites.
• Medicines such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood pressure medicines.
• Exposure to water, sunlight, cold or heat.
• Pollen.
Angioedema may also occur along with other infections such as lupus, leukemia and lymphoma.
Hereditary angioedema is caused due some defect in genes.
Is angioedema serious?
No, Angioedema does not damage your vital organs like kidneys, liver or lungs. The only problem is if the throat or the tongue swell severely, as this may cause difficulty breathing. Swelling of the neck (outer side) is uncomfortable but does not affect breathing.
Can angioedema be cured?
Yes, it is curable allergic and idiopathic angioedema are usually treated with antihistamines or occasionally steroid medication to reduce the swelling. Hereditary angioedema can’t be cured, but with medicines it remains stable and to prevent swelling.
Can angioedema be caused by stress?
No, it is related with the immune system. But In cases of idiopathic angioedema, certain triggers such as: anxiety or stress may lead to swelling.
How is angioedema diagnosed?
Tests you may have include:
a skin prick test – your skin is pricked with a tiny amount of the suspected allergen to see whether there’s a reaction.
a blood test –to know whether your immune system reacts to a suspected allergen
How long does swelling last?
If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, you should consult your doctor.
How Homeopathy helps to relieve the symptoms of angioedema?
Thyroidinum
Agaricus muscaris
Antipyrinum
Hellebores niger
