Knowing Angioedema
Author: Charlene J. Nuble

Angioedema, which is also called by others as Quincke's edema,
is the swelling occurring in the tissue under the skin's
surface. The skin ailment is usually an allergic reaction to a
medication or food.

Occurrence of Angioedema should also be given proper attention
and focus because it may indicate an underlying condition of
more serious ailment or sickness like leukemia or Hodgkin's
disease.

In the medical world, there are two basic divisions or
classification of angioedema. One, it can be hereditary
angioedema or HAE---this is genetically acquired or inborn and
will tend to constantly recur despite intense treatment.

The other is termed 'acquired angioedema or AAE, which as the
name suggests is acquired through other means beyond genetic
factors.

Angioedema can take minutes or even hours to completely
develop. One interesting thing about angioedema is that it can
infect or affect one side or area of the body, while the other
side, or other areas, is not affected.

It is important to know basic facts, prevention and treatment
of angioedema because the skin ailment could be fatal if
untreated.

Identifying angioedema

Symptoms and indications that a person has angioedema vary.
Usually, the disease affect the eyelids, the tongue, the lips,
the palms, the soles, the throat, and shocking as it may be, in
several instances in the genitals. Any from these body areas can
feel pain and burning sensation. Often, the infected part is
also swollen.

Breathing troubles, especially those instances characterized by
swollen or tight-feeling throat with hoarseness can also
indicate the presence of angioedema.

In some recorded instances, there were also abdominal pain and
diarrhea. These can be accompanied by reduced or diminished
appetite and sometimes, nausea or vomiting.

Physically, one can simply tell if a person has angioedema if
the area surrounding or around the eyes of a person is
extraordinarily swollen. To verify the suspicion, check if the
person has discolored rashes or patches in the face, the feet,
the hands, and if it will possible to check on this body area,
the genital or sex organ.

There is another type of angioedema that is also called
angioedema-eosinophilia syndrome, when the person feel like
having fever, hives or itchiness. This form of angioedema is
also characterized by high level or count of white blood cells,
muscle pain, weight gain or decreased or diminished urination.

Treating angioedema

Doctors and hospital personnels' first and primary concern when
treating angioedema is making sure that airway is unblocked or
open or that the breathing is practically not disturbed.

There are several drugs that are often prescribed to treat the
disease. Among them are antihistamines, corticosteroids and
epinephrine.

If the angioedema attack is somehow severe, make sure the
patient is rushed to the nearest hospital because professional
personnel will have to first open blocked airways to help
stabilize the victim's condition.

Prevention

There are several food additives and foods that are known to
trigger angioedema attacks on several people. If you have an
angioedema history, it is important to stay away or eliminate
the following food from your daily diet.

- Berries
- Chocolate
- Legumes
- Seafood
- Milk
- Eggs
- Nuts

Some people are also advised not to eat citrus fruits and food
and beverage with sulfites, including some fermented beverages.


About The Author: Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All
your frequently asked questions about angioedema, please go to:
http://angioedema.allergyanswers.net/