Angioedema is a condition characterized by swelling and the formation of welts (raised marks) on the skin. Angioedema is usually caused by an allergic reaction, to either a food or medication. The swelling can also occur in the inside of the throat, which is a dangerous situation because it can close off the passage of air into the lungs. It is also a feature of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction affecting more than one part of the body and potentially threatening life.

Types Of Angioedema:

There are two main types of angioedema: hereditary and allergic.

Hereditary Angioedema- Hereditary angioedema is a relatively uncommon condition. It manifests as episodes of abdominal pain and angioedema and can be a painful and even life-threatening disease. It affects both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. Individuals with hereditary angioedema may also have systemic lupus erythematosus or other autoimmune disorders.

Acquired angioedema- A rare disorder characterized by recurring episodes of swelling of parts of the skin or mucous membranes. Acquired angioedema is caused by a consumption of C1-INH for any of a number of reasons leading to low levels of this protein.

Causes:

One of the main causes of angioedema is allergy to food or medications. One of the first things that need to be ascertained is the cause of the disease. If an allergen is the cause of the problem, then avoiding all contact with the offending substance along with a course of antihistamine and anti-inflammatories is all that is required.

Like other allergic conditions, allergic angioedema symptoms are triggered by the release of histamine and other biochemicals in the body. Conditions such as leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and connective tissue disorders (such as lupus) may also trigger angioedema.

Symptoms:

• Burning, painful, swollen areas;

• More rarely, hoarseness,

• Tight or swollen throat, breathing trouble

• Sometimes itchy

• Swelling on the eyes and mouth

Treatments:

Angioedema should be treated as an emergency because of potential airway compromise that can occur rapidly. If you have mild angioedema, you may be able to treat it with over-the-counter drugs or alternative therapies. With severe angioedema, the first priority is to ensure that the airway is open and that breathing is not impaired.

Major attention should be given to keep the airway in the throat open. The patient may also be given H1 and H2 blockers, steroids, antihistamines and subcutaneous epinephrine. However, there are several self-care steps people can take at home to soothe associated symptoms. They include:

• Avoid foods or nonessential medicines that have been identified as triggers. It is extremely important to speak with a physician before stopping any prescribed medications.

• Relax and reduce stress as much as possible.

• Eliminate any foods that trigger symptoms such as Seafood, Nuts, Legumes, Eggs, Chocolate, Berries etc.

• Wear light clothes that are not too snug. Tight clothing can trigger a new outbreak.

• Avoid hot baths or showers, which can worsen swelling.

• Quercetin (a plant-based flavonoid) may reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

• Vitamin C (2 – 4 g per day) may help lower histamine levels. Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.