Angioedema - Symptoms, Prognosis & Treatments

Angioedema - Symptoms, Prognosis & Treatments

Angioedema is a medical condition that affects areas on the body and on the face and around the eyes and mouth in particular. In its essence it is the swelling of the blood vessels of the deeper layers of the tissue that are just under the skin.

This condition is not to be mistaken with hives that are associated with the swelling of the upper layers of the skin and involve unpleasant itching. Angioedema is usually caused by an allergic reaction and by the production of histamine in the body in particular.

Although the different types of allergies are common causes, it is not impossible for the condition to be caused by leukemia or the Hodgkin’s diseases.

Generally, there are two types of Angioedema. It can be either acquired, called AAE for short or hereditary known as HAE. The symptoms of the two kinds do not differ, but the development of the condition and its severity does vary from person to person.

Some people can start experiencing the swelling quite quickly after the cause appears while in certain cases the symptoms may take hours before they are fully felt and visible. Usually, there are specific body parts that swell first. The area around the eyes and lips is quickly affected followed by the hands and feet.

The swelling can be accompanies by a burning sensation, itching and pain. In some cases the skin on the affected spots can become discolored. These patches are easily visible. Most often the symptoms of Angioedema are quite mild and do not cause any serious health problems. However, this is not always the case.

Rarely the throat and tongue of the sufferer may also become swollen. The immediate medical help in such cases is crucial since these symptoms can cause suffocation and eventually a lethal outcome.

The main causes of Angioedema are different types of allergic reactions. The exact allergen that triggers the condition cannot be immediately discovered and some specific tests are required.

This substance can literally be anything - different types of raw or processed foods, plants, pollen, dyes and many more. Still, there are people who have a higher risk of suffering from Angioedema. Those who are often experiencing allergic reactions and those who have already had the condition are more prone to it. People who are under great stress and feel strong anxiety can also suffer from it. Patients who undergo specific procedure may also get Angioedema.

by Jane Teal - 24/3/10

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Source: http://urticaria-relief.com