Angioedema (or Quincke's edema) is a type of allergic reaction of the body, which consists in a limited edema, most often appears in the upper part of the body (face, neck). With the edema of Quincke, an allergic reaction occurs in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and on the mucous membranes. Angioedema is not always accompanied by itching. Its danger is that it can cause difficulty in breathing, up to asphyxiation (depending on the place where the allergy occurs).
Angioedema - causes
As we mentioned above, the main cause of angioedema is an allergic reaction. The mechanism is as follows: in response to the ingestion of an allergen into the body, a large number of biologically active substances, such as histamine, enter the bloodstream. In turn, histamine dilates the blood vessels, therefore, they become much more permeable to plasma and other blood components. Thus, "migrating" from the vessels to nearby tissues, edema is formed.
In most cases, it is difficult to calculate what caused Quincke's edema. But perennial studies have proven that most often, the allergen is:
- dander of animals (particles of dead skin);
- food (such as berries, fish, nuts, eggs, milk);
- bites of animals;
- medicines, for example antibiotics of the penicillin group, cephalosporins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as some antihypertensive drugs;
- pollen;
Also angioedema angioedema can appear in the period of recovery, after the transferred diseases (infections, various autoimmune diseases - lupus, leukemia).
There is also a hereditary form of angioedema, associated with deficiency of the protein function, which is called a C1 inhibitor. This affects the function of capillaries and vessels, provoking swelling of varying severity.
Symptoms of Quincke Edema
The main symptom is sudden swelling under the skin level. Usually angioedema occurs at the level of the face (eyelids, lips, tongue). Puffy areas are pale, they can be painful or itchy. Other symptoms are:
- shortness of breath, accompanied by a so-called stridor (whistling during breathing, due to violation of air permeability along the upper respiratory tract);
- pain and cramping in the abdomen;
- swollen eyes and mouth.
Treatment of Quincke Edema
The approach to the treatment of angioedema is individual, depending on the degree of manifestation of the symptoms. Light swelling may not require treatment. Manifestations of moderate severity may require the intervention of a physician. Difficult breathing requires urgent measures, since it is a life-threatening situation.
If you have a history of angioedema, you should:
- Avoid all known allergens that could trigger a reaction.
- Avoid taking any medicines, herbs or food additives that are not prescribed to you by a doctor, taking into account your particulars.
- Cool wet compresses bring relief.
Medications that are used in such situations include ones from the following groups:
- Antihistamines.
- Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Epinephrine.
- Inhalation drugs that are very effective in case of laryngeal edema.
If a person has difficulty breathing, call an ambulance immediately.
Prognosis: in most cases, angioedema is regressed by itself for several days without consequences.
In severe cases, patients all their lives have to carry a dose of epinephrine or corticosteroids in order to avoid a fatal outcome in case of a new attack.