Angioedema
Angioedema is a condition associated with swelling or lumps that appear on the inner layer of the skin. These lumps can be in several parts of the body, especially the face and lips. Angioedema swelling occurs due to fluid buildup. Sometimes, angioedema swelling can also occur along with itching.
Angioedema is usually an allergic reaction, but it can also be caused by genetic or hereditary factors. In most cases, angioedema is harmless and does not leave scars after healing.
However, angioedema swelling should not be underestimated. Because, swelling can also be a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Symptoms of Angioedema
Angioedema is a disease characterized by swelling in several parts of the body, usually around the eyes, cheeks, or lips. Other symptoms that occur along with angioedema include:
- Widespread and well-defined thickening.
- Swelling accompanied by redness.
- Sometimes there may be pain in the swollen area.
Causes of Angioedema
Angioedema disease can be caused by several things as follows:
- Food. Many foods can trigger angioedema reactions, especially in patients who are allergic or overly sensitive to certain types of food. The most common foods that cause allergies are seafood, nuts, eggs, and dairy products.
- Medications. Almost any medication can cause an angioedema reaction, especially in people who are sensitive to a particular drug. Some drugs that often cause angioedema are penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and blood pressure medications.
- Common allergens. Some common substances that can cause angioedema include pollen, animal hair/fur, latex and insect stings.
- Environmental factors. For example, heat, cold, sunlight, water, pressure on the skin, or even emotional stress can cause angioedema.
- Other underlying medical conditions. Angioedema can occur due to the body’s response to blood transfusions, immune system disorders such as lupus, some types of cancer, thyroid disease, and bacterial or viral infections.
- Genetics. Hereditary angioedema is very rare. It is associated with a dysfunction of plasma proteins in the body that function in the immune system.
Risk Factors for Angioedema
Angioedema is a common disease. The risk of angioedema can increase when:
- Have had previous angioedema.
- Having other forms of allergic reactions.
- Having a disorder associated with angioedema, such as lupus, lymphoma or thyroid disease.
- Having a family history of angioedema or hereditary angioedema.
Diagnosis Angioedema
The doctor will perform an examination to see which areas are swollen at that time. Then the doctor will look at the history of what foods were consumed and environmental influences to see the cause of the symptoms. In addition, the doctor will check whether the patient is taking drugs that can trigger angioedema, such as ACE inhibitors.
In some cases, the doctor will perform a skin prick test to determine the specific allergen to our body. The doctor may also suggest blood tests and certain hormone levels to confirm the cause of the complaint.
If the doctor suspects that the swelling is caused by hereditary angioedema or hereditary factors, then a series of blood tests will also be performed, such as:
- C1 esterase inhibitor assay.
- check the levels of complementary components, including C2 and C4.
Some of these tests measure the levels or function of certain proteins in the blood. Abnormal results may also be associated with health problems related to an underlying autoimmune disease.
Angioedema Prevention
To reduce the chances of getting this condition, the following preventive steps can be taken:
- Avoiding known triggers. Such as foods, medications, and some conditions that can trigger angioedema such as stress.
- Record a food list. If you suspect you have a food allergy that triggers angioedema but still don’t know what food can trigger it, try to record every ingredient you eat every day. Then evaluate which foods can cause angioedema.
Angioedema Treatment
Mild angioedema usually does not require special treatment, because generally the condition of angioedema goes away on its own. However, those who experience moderate or severe symptoms may require Treatment. The goal of the treatment is to relieve the sensation of itching and discomfort if the symptoms persist for a long time. Well, here are some types of treatment that can be given, including:
- Anti-itch medications, such as antihistamines.
- Anti-inflammatory, especially in severe cases of angioedema.
- Immune system suppressants, if antihistamines and anti-inflammatories do not relieve symptoms. Doctors can prescribe immune system suppressants to calm an over-reactive immune system.
- Medications to reduce pain and swelling. Such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, namely leukotriene antagonists.
- Glucocorticosteroids or epinephrine, if angioedema is caused by the body’s reaction to an acute allergy.
If angioedema is caused by hereditary factors or hereditary angioedema, there are several types of treatment that can be given. For example, the use of ecallantide, Icatibant to the use of purified human C1 esterase inhibitors.
Meanwhile, certain home remedies can also help relieve angioedema symptoms, such as:
- Using a cool, wet compress can help soothe the skin and prevent irritation from scratching.
- Wear loose cotton clothing to avoid further skin irritation.
- Monitor the use of certain medications. If a medication causes you to have angioedema, your doctor will ask you to change the medication.
Angioedema Complications
In most cases, angioedema is a harmless condition and will go away within a few days. However, this does not mean that angioedema is without the risk of complications. The most dangerous complication of angioedema is swelling of the throat and airways.
Angioedema is usually mild, but if it progresses rapidly, or if it affects the throat, it can lead to asphyxia. Asphyxia itself is a condition in which the body does not get enough oxygen.
This condition can be very dangerous and risk threatening the life of the sufferer. The occurrence of asphyxia can be seen from several symptoms. For example, sudden or rapid breathing problems, dizziness, to sudden fainting.
When to See a Doctor?
Angioedema can be cured without therapy and lasts a short time. However, if the swelling does not improve after a few days, the sufferer needs to see a doctor immediately for medical help. Especially if angioedema is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling in the neck, to decreased consciousness.