Angioedema is a form of swelling that develops underneath the skin or mucosa. Normally, it occurs in the areas where the tissues are loose.
Although any body part is subject to angioedema symptoms, swelling mainly happens close to the lips and eyes. In some cases, this type of oedema can also be witnessed in the inner lining of a person's intestines, upper respiratory tracts and even genitals.
Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms of angioedema in this blog.
The symptoms of angioedema can occur abruptly and may last for up to 72 hours. Swelling underneath the skin is the most common sign of angioedema and may impact an individual’s:
Various other symptoms of angioedema can also be present, like:
In some cases, the person can experience an anaphylactic shock, which may be life-threatening.
If a person faces the following issues, emergency medical treatment becomes essential:
When someone is already aware that they are prone to angioedema symptoms, they may carry an autoinjector. This device is effective while the person is waiting for medical care.
The reason leading to angioedema depends on its type. Here are the quick details:
Symptoms of Angioedema | Causes |
Hereditary angioedema symptoms | Caused by genes that result in low or dysfunctional C1-1NH protein blood levels. |
Drug-induced angioedema symptoms | May result from ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs. |
Allergic angioedema symptoms | May get triggered by various elements, including: ● Contact with latex ● Animal, snake and insect bites ● Eating specific food items ● Medications like aspirin and penicillin |
Doctors are able to figure out the path of diagnosis after being sure of the type of angioedema. You can determine this by examining the swellings, studying the person's and their family's medical records, and so on.
For instance, suppose a person develops angioedema symptoms immediately after they are subject to a specific allergen. In this case, the type of angioedema that needs to be treated is normally allergic. Sometimes, this condition may be coupled with urticaria or hives.
Medical practitioners can recommend skin prick testing to identify the specific allergens. Considering your family's health history, if allergies have been a concern, then the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of hereditary angioedema could be elevated for you. In such cases, a team of doctors can run the following tests to diagnose the underlying issues:
Specific factors can elevate the chances of a person developing angioedema. The potential risk factors tend to vary depending on the triggering element or severity.
However, based on the widespread trend observed so far, the following factors can be considered responsible for recurring and severe angioedema symptoms:
Also, a recognised study from 2020 stated that those who take ACE inhibitors may have a greater possibility of developing angioedema if they are:
If you are aware of your allergic conditions, you must consciously avoid the triggers, as they may result in angioedema. Additional aspects that can cause angioedema symptoms are given below:
Unlike other forms of angioedema, Bradykinin-mediated angioedema features distinct clinical features. Their treatment does not involve the usage of corticosteroids, antihistamines or epinephrine, which are conventionally implemented to reduce the regular symptoms of angioedema.
The primary symptom of Bradykinin-mediated Angioedema is localised and non-itchy swelling of the skin. Some commonly involved parts include a person's face, gastrointestinal tract and genitals. The swelling is often asymmetrical and can be slightly painful.
The Bradykinin-mediated angioedema symptoms can develop over several hours and may last even more than 24 hours in mild cases. If the swelling occurs in the tongue, upper airways and mouth, it will cause significant respiratory problems, which are potentially life-threatening. On the other hand, if the gastrointestinal tract is involved, the patient may suffer from nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Doctors need to use particular therapies to treat Bradykinin pathway problems and cure angioedema symptoms. The main effective treatments are as follows:
In numerous instances, angioedema is a harmless medical condition that resolves by itself within 1-2 days. However, if someone experiences a significant swelling around the throat, it can be dangerous and life-threatening. An affected tongue or throat can restrict the proper functioning of airways and make it difficult to breathe.
Severe angioedema cases generally arise from anaphylaxis, an abrupt medical condition. These cases immediately call for expert medical support and should not be neglected under any circumstances.
The most effective method for preventing allergic angioedema involves avoiding known and suspected allergens, as well as those previously implicated in the condition's onset. Adopting preventive measures can reduce the chances of experiencing a recurring episode.
Depending on its severity, angioedema symptoms may or may not require medical intervention. If a person experiences difficulty breathing, seeking emergency care becomes crucial.
For cases needing treatment, physicians commonly suggest antihistamines or similar medications to reduce the swelling. Less severe episodes may not need specific treatment and typically subside within a short period.
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