Causes and risk factors:
The most common cause of angioedema is allergy. Allergy to various food substances like peanuts, citrus foods, fish or allergy to pollen grains, animal dander. It can also occur as an adverse reaction to certain medications. Blood transfusion and certain medical conditions like thyroid affection, kidney disorders, HIV; lupus etc can also lead to angioedema. Hereditary form of angioedema is also well known (HAE)
Clinical presentations:
Mostly angioedema can occur on the face at the lips or around the eyes. Hands and feet and throat are others areas which can be affected. Swelling is the hallmark of angioedema. Reddish discoloration of the affected area is seen. It is warm to touch. Pain may also persist. When it affects the mucosal lining of the intestines abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms are common. Involvement of esophagus, trachea results into difficulty breathing are the other associated symptoms. Throat swelling can lead to airway blockages which can endanger life.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Along with the symptoms narrated by the patient and the local examination carried out by the doctor certain investigations can be advised. Complete blood count and allergy test are routinely advised. To rule out the underlying causes certain other investigations like renal function test, liver function test or thyroid test can be advised. In hereditary type history and genetic test for further confirmation of HAE are done.
Treatment:
Cold compression can be used to combat the pain. Medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids are prescribed. In severe cases of throat swelling close monitoring is essential hence hospitalization is required, tracheal intubation is required in such cases.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating angioedema. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
