Angioedema is a condition that results in swelling of the skin and the tissues beneath, most often around the eyes, tongue, lips, genitals, feet, or hands. This type of swelling occurs due to a fluid buildup in the area. It can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as allergic reactions, different medications, and previous health conditions. In some cases, angioedema can also be connected to genetics, meaning that the condition is categorized as hereditary angioedema.
This condition is often connected to the appearance of hives on the skin (red, itchy, raised rash), which appear as surface skin swellings. Still, angioedema can develop without the presence of hives, as well.
At the Allergy and Immunology Center, you can get tested for a wide variety of skin conditions, angioedema included. Using a skin prick test, or some other functional testing tool, it is possible to diagnose the condition and create an efficient treatment plan. To make your treatment path as successful as possible, you need to find a qualified, experienced doctor; this clinic is the right way to go.
What Are the Causes of This Condition?
The causes of this condition are directly related to the type of angioedema you are suffering from. As there are four different types of this condition, below you can find the causes segregated into four categories:
- Unfortunately, if you are suffering from idiopathic angioedema, the exact cause is still not certain. Some factors can negatively influence your condition, such as infections, stress, etc., but they are not characterized as the leading causes.
- In the case of allergic angioedema, the skin swelling is caused by a potential allergic reaction to substances, such as peanuts, animal dander, sunlight, insects, pollen, etc., and it can be directly connected to anaphylaxis because the body releases histamine when the system discovers the presence of allergens in the body.
- Certain medications can cause angioedema, and this type is called drug-induced angioedema. Usually, this is caused by ACE inhibitors, i.e., angiotensin-converting enzymes.
- Hereditary angioedema, as the name suggests, is caused by abnormal genes inherited from the patient’s parents.
Symptoms
When it comes to symptoms of this condition, the main one is skin swelling in particular areas. Both the tissues beneath the skin and the surface can be inflamed and swollen. The most common affected areas are the lips and the eyes, but the swelling can also develop on the hands, feet, genitalia, and throat. The swelling can be spread out or located in one particular spot.
So, the symptoms of angioedema can include:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Itching or burning sensation in the affected area
- Hives or red raised areas of skin
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Swelling of the bladder
- Swelling of the urethra
- Nausea or vomiting and diarrhea
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
Hives or welts, if they appear, can be very itchy, but as angioedema can also affect the deeper tissues, it can cause severe pain, too.
How to Diagnose Angioedema?
Diagnosis of this condition begins after the patient has noticed some of the symptoms mentioned above. Swelling is often very evident, so the doctor can conclude that the patient is most probably suffering from angioedema as soon as they perform a physical exam and thoroughly review the medical history. Additional blood tests, skin prick tests, or allergy tests can be used to determine the exact type and causes. In contrast, idiopathic angioedema is diagnosed when the doctor cannot find any direct causes.
Anyone can suffer from this condition, and it affects up to 20% of people at a certain point in their lives. Certain types of this condition are more common than others, such as drug-induced or allergic angioedema, while only one out of 50,000 people suffers from hereditary angioedema.
In some severe cases, angioedema can be the cause of airway obstruction and lead to respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening. That said, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect that you are experiencing angioedema.
Treatment and Prevention
In most cases of angioedema, the symptoms disappear in a few days on their own, but medication is typically recommended to speed up the recovery process. Depending on the cause, doctors prescribe different treatment plans, so make sure you share all the necessary details when your chosen medical provider is trying to give an accurate diagnosis.
If you are suffering from allergic angioedema or the idiopathic type, the treatment recommendations will usually be the same; you will be advised to use corticosteroids or antihistamines to help with the swelling.
If your diagnosis is drug-induced angioedema, you will be advised to start using another medication instead of the one you have used up until that point. In case you experience anaphylaxis at the same time when the angioedema occurs, the doctors will give you an auto-injector pen so you can use it when the symptoms reoccur.
Unfortunately, hereditary angioedema has no cure because the condition does not change after medication, such as adrenaline, steroids, etc. Hence, the best approach is the preventative one. Usually, the only medicine used is one that helps stabilize blood protein levels so that the symptoms can be prevented.
An alternative way to deal with itchiness and inflammation is cold compresses, and it is advised to avoid any herbs, supplements, or medicine that have not been prescribed by a trained professional.
When it comes to preventing angioedema, its reoccurrence, or its severity level, it is essential to avoid triggers such as certain medications, foods, or environmental factors. Getting medical attention when you suspect you are experiencing angioedema is crucial because early treatment can help prevent additional complications.
When to Ask for Help?
If the treatment you are taking is not helping you, the pain and swelling worsen, or you are facing this condition for the first time, contact your medical provider and schedule a consultation. And if you start experiencing breathing difficulties, wheezing, fainting, etc., go to the emergency room immediately because the consequences can be fatal.
Contact Us!
Helping patients deal with their allergies successfully is one of the main tasks in our clinic. Our expert staff is trained in the field of allergies and immunology, and they are ready to help and guide you through the process of recovery, whatever your diagnosis might be.
Allergy prevention and their timely diagnosis and treatment can literally save your life. Be mindful of your health, and call us! We are here for you whenever you decide to get treated, so pick up the phone and schedule an appointment.
Remember, angioedema does not have to be complicated – you can lead a happy and healthy life, but you need to start working on prevention and treatment as soon as possible.