Causes

Angioedema - sharply growing rapidly passing allergic swelling of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes.

Allergic reaction - is not adequately strong body's response to the introduction of something alien. Allergic reactions are divided into two groups: delayed and immediate type. For example, exudative diathesis in a child Diathesis in the child: the best treatment - prevention   It relates to a delayed-type hypersensitivity. Angioedema - this immediate type of allergic reaction, and therefore the most dangerous. Such reactions may occur in response to any allergen (drug, food, insect bite, etc.), as well as from exposure to physical factors (cold, sun). In response to the introduction of the allergen the body produces large amounts of histamine, which causes swelling of the tissues.

Contributing factors to the occurrence of angioedema may be parasitic and viral infections (giardiasis, hepatitis Hepatitis - the scourge of our time , Worm infestation and so on), diseases of the internal organs and the endocrine system (eg, thyroid).

How does angioedema

The most characteristic features of hard flowing angioedema: the victim suddenly appeared growing swelling in the lips, eyelids, neck, hoarseness, shortness of growing, wheezing. If you do not provide timely assistance, such a patient may die from laryngeal edema and overlapping access of air to the lungs. In addition, severe angioedema may be the beginning of even more severe immediate allergic reaction - anaphylactic shock.

It can occur anywhere on the body, but most often it occurs on the face (lips, eyelids), limbs and external genitalia. The rare form of angioedema is swelling of the meninges, the mucous membrane of the uterus and bladder, synovial joints. There is a characteristic numbness and itching. Easy angioedema quickly begins suddenly and quickly passes on their own.

Hereditary Angioedema (pseudoallergic)

The disease often runs in families. It is caused by a hereditary deficiency of certain enzymes that contribute to the destruction of substances that cause swelling of the tissues. Pseudoallergic angioedema occurs in the form of exacerbations. It appears painful swelling of the skin and mucous membranes (primarily respiratory and gastrointestinal tract). The aggravation of the disease can break out from injury, stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis , Acute illness, sudden change in temperature, and so on.

Treatment of angioedema

First aid:

call the ambulance;

• eliminate the effect of allergen (to cancel the drug, the kind of food that cause allergies);
• reassure the patient (remove emotional burden);
• provide fresh air: remove the tie and belt, open the clasp at the collar, open the window;
• put a cold compress on the affected area to reduce the intensity of itching and swelling;
• drip in a nose vasoconstrictive drops (eg Naphthyzinum).

If the swelling spreads very quickly and the patient has respiratory disorders, the glucocorticoid hormones are administered. The patient is required to be transported to the hospital and there he was, if necessary, assisted in a specialized ENT department.

Patients who have experienced angioedema, appointed hypoallergenic diet Hypoallergenic diet - the salvation for the stomach   (with the exception of food allergens as eggs, milk and wheat, fish, nuts, tomato, chocolate, citrus)

Prevention of angioedema

Prevention is the strict adherence to a diet (with the exception of the product, cause allergies), the prevention of contact with a substance that has ever caused any form of allergy. In addition, such patients should be carefully being treated all centers of a chronic infection (eg, carious teeth, chronic tonsillitis), as they contribute to the general sensitization of the organism. Periodically courses appointed by the allergy medications, for example, during the flowering plants in the pollen allergy.

Modern antihistamines - a third-generation antihistamines

Antihistamines are the first generation to take is not recommended because of the pronounced sedation. Antihistamines are the second generation - such as loratadine Loratadine - a long-acting antihistamine   and tsetrizin - were first introduced in the early eighties, and are characterized by high efficiency and lack of sedation. Some of these drugs, however, cause problems of the cardiovascular system - so today in the market there are new antihistamines preparations third generation. One of the earliest of such preparations, fexofenadine, went on sale in 1996.

Operating principle

Antihistamines block the release of a new generation of histamine in the blood. If you have an allergic reaction the immune system The immune system - how it works?   releases antibodies Antibodies - "soldiers' immunity   and histamine for controlling allergen. Histamine levels in the blood and causes the most common symptoms of allergy Allergy symptoms: Survival Guide Spring . Antihistamines new generation is preferable because, being equally effective, does not cause drowsiness. The lack of sedative effect due to the fact that the new generation of antihistamines do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, in contrast to the first generation drugs. Receiving a new generation of antihistamines helps prevent and cure the majority of allergic diseases.

Recommended dosage

A daily dose of fexofenadine is sixty milligrams for adults, for the action of the drug takes about an hour. Before taking antihistamines alone, it is recommended to consult a doctor - some antihistamines interaction with other drugs cause a number of quite serious side effects. For example, the sedative effect of antihistamines exacerbated by reaction with muscle relaxants, sedatives and hypnotics.