Table of Contents
showAngioedema is a common disease that affects about 10-20% of people during their entire lifetime [1]. It can be of different types, based on the causes. However, some variants are more common than others with varied levels of severity.
If you start noticing their symptoms, you should immediately visit the doctor without any delay. This is essential as some variants can prove to be fatal and cause immediate death. Prior to treatment, it is essential that you enquire about its prognosis to make an informed approach towards its treatment.
Here’s a quick overview of symptoms, complications, onset, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of angioedema:
Symptoms | Swollen skin, swelling of eye, swelling in windpipe, stomach ache, swelling of urethra |
Complications | Severe complications can result in death of a patient. |
Causes | The causes vary with the type of angioedema. For example certain drugs, allergens or trauma. |
Onset | Few minutes to hours |
Diagnosis | The diagnostic tests vary with the type of angioedema. For example a blood test or skin-prick test. |
Prevention | Stay away from allergens |
Medication | The medications vary with the type of angioedema. These include a combination of corticosteroids and antihistamines, and so on. |
Here’s a detailed overview of angioedema – its symptoms, variants, diagnosis, treatment and complications. Read on!
The symptoms of angioedema are as follows [2]:
However, you should be aware of the reasons behind the development of angioedema for effective prevention.
The causes of angioedema vary with its types as follows [3]:
Causes of Non-allergic Angioedema
The causes of non-allergic angioedema are as follows:
Causes of Acute Allergic Angioedema
Causes of acute allergic angioedema are as follows:
Causes of Idiopathic Angioedema
The causes of idiopathic angioedema are as follows:
Causes of Hereditary Angioedema
The causes of hereditary angioedema are as follows:
These causes serve as the basis for classification of the different variants of angioedema that can develop in patients.
The different types of angioedema are as follows [4]:
Hence, as soon as you identify the variant of angioedema that you have developed, you can visit a doctor for the treatment of this condition.
Delaying angioedema treatment can prove to be fatal. Hence, it is essential that you go for treatment as soon as you are diagnosed with its symptoms. The doctor will suggest some specific treatment methods for the process, such that you can get cured instantly without any delay.
However, prior to that, you need to take some diagnostic tests to confirm the occurrence and type of angioedema that has occurred.
The different tests for angioedema diagnosis vary with the type. These are as follows [5]:
Hereditary Angioedema: To identify this condition, the doctor prescribes a blood test to check for the presence of proteins that are mainly produced by the C1-inh gene
In most cases, angioedema resolves by itself. However, at times, it can prove to be fatal [6]. You should carry injectable epinephrine if you are prone to allergic reactions. However, ensure to get immediate help from a medical practitioner so that you can avoid complications.
After having a complete idea regarding the prognosis, you can proceed with the treatment of this illness.
Doctors mainly prescribe medicines to treat angioedema. However, these too vary with the type of angioedema as follows:
Since it is a life-threatening disease and can prove to be fatal if not treated instantly, you should abide by the precautionary measures.
You can take the following precautions to keep from the development of this condition:
If you do not undertake precautions, you have a high chance of developing this disease. However, you should note that if you leave it untreated, there are chances of developing severe complications.
Complications of angioedema are as follows [6]:
The cost of angioedema treatment is usually quite high and can go beyond Rs. 10 Lakhs. Additionally, the medicines, too, are quite expensive. Also, the treatments are not permanent and at times, the symptoms might reappear. So, it would be prudent to purchase insurance coverage for staying financially protected.
Angioedema can develop at any time without any prior indication. Also, some do not even give you sufficient time to prepare for the treatment financially and emotionally. Hence, if you have tendencies of severe allergies to any particular substance, you can purchase a health insurance plan to stay financially prepared.
To get comprehensive coverage, buy Navi Health Insurance for just Rs.234 per month. Enjoy several benefits like unlimited online doctor’s consultations, instant claim approval, cashless claims at 10,000+ network hospitals and a host of other perks. Get a quote now!
The side effects of using antihistamines to treat allergic angioedema are as follows: Headache Dry mouth Dry nose
The side effects of using icatibant to treat hereditary angioedema are as follows: Itching in different areas of the skin Redness or swelling at the site of infection Mild dizziness
The body parts affected the most due to this condition are as follows: Area around the eye Lips Tongue Feet Hands Genitals
It is imperative to immediately approach a doctor for diagnosis when you face the following symptoms: Swelling in throat and tongue Worsening breathing problems Feeling tightness in the chest
The laboratory technician will prick your skin with a small amount of allergen. If it induces an allergic reaction, they can confirm it to be the main cause of angioedema.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/angioedema
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/angioedema#symptoms-of-angioedema
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2681197
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/angioedema#diagnosing-angioedema
ttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538489/
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/angioedema#treating-angioedema
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