What is ARB Angioedema?

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists or angiotensin receptor blockers might be a new name for some of you but you might have heard of ARB angioedema, especially if you have a history of angioedema.

People suffering from high blood pressure, diabetic nephropathy or congestive heart problems are prescribed ARB, however, they can have side effects including a dry cough and angioedema. Of course it would not be  good to get rid of your high blood pressure and then develop  hives, because of the intake of ARBs. You should consult your doctor if you are having this problem.

If you want to learn more about ARB angioedema, read here.

—-

Do you know what is ARB angioedema and what it the connection between these two? If you do not, this article will give you the answer. But before going into the details, let me warn you if you are in the middle of angioedema treatment, stay away from ARBs.

For better understanding of ARB angioedema, let me define the two terms separately for you:

ARB stands for angiotensin II receptor antagonists or angiotensin receptor blockers. ARBS are also called AT1-receptor antagonists andsartans. Actually they are a specific cluster of pharmaceuticals which transform the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This cluster of pharmaceuticals is mainly used for normalizing diabetic nephropathy, high blood pressure and in some cases for congestive heart failure.

Now let us come to angioedema. Angioedema, also called quincke’s edema, is an allergic reaction that occurs mostly on the eyes and lips. Actually, it is the rapid swelling of the human skin resulted by the swelling of dermis, mucosa and submucosal tissues. Usually the swelling lasts a few hours and does not threaten the life of the patient. However, if the swelling progresses rapidly it can block the airway and cause suffocation hence, should be treated as a medical emergency.

The most common and obvious symptom is swelling, which can develop abruptly on the eyes, lips, tongue and throat. However, it is not limited to these areas only, and any other part of the body can also be affected e.g. hands and feet. The swelling may result in a burning sensation and pain. Urticaria (hives) may also develop along with it. Sometimes the patient may also feel difficulty in breathing.

The major problem of using any member of ARB class is the avoidance of dry angioedema and cough which are usually associated with therapy of ACE inhibitor. However, a constant intake of ARBs can result in side-effects including dry cough and/or angioedema. Furthermore, a patient with a history of angioedema with ACE inhibitor therapy has the risk of cross reactivity.

Significant details about Autoimmune Angioedema and Stress Angioedema?

Are you suffering from autoimmune angioedema? Or have you developed stress angioedema after experiencing extreme emotional stress conditions? No matter what the case is with you, you need to take this matter seriously and if the situation is getting worse it is good to visit a doctor.

Autoimmune angioedema is commonly found in patients that develop angioedema in response to an autoimmune trigger, i.e. certain antibodies. Stress angioedema is caused by sudden emotional or physical stress or tension which may cause an increase in the body temperature of the patient.

Whether you are suffering from autoimmune angioedema or stress angioedema, read here to learn more about them. As they say, “knowledge is power” and if you do not have the proper knowledge about these diseases, you cannot handle them properly.

—–

This article describes two different subtypes of angioedema: autoimmune angioedema and stress angioedema. For better understanding, let me divide this article into two sections: first one describing autoimmune whereas the second one about stress angioedema.

Autoimmune angioedema is a skin problem found in patients that develop angioedema in response to an autoimmune trigger, i.e. certain antibodies. Mast cells are widespread in the skin and contain certain fluids. They basically act as a defensive mechanism in our bodies against the disorders. When they are disturbed by an autoimmune trigger or an allergen, they release fluid called histamine into the skin which causes swelling or angioedema. The swelling usually occurs on the face i.e. near eyes and lips that is why it is sometimes referred to as facial angioedema.

Certain drugs i.e. antihistamines can be ingested by the patient to counter the effects of release of histamine by the mast cells. The patient should avoid allergens and triggers that may result in an autoimmune angioedema. However, if you have already developed it, consulting a qualified doctor is the best option.

Stress angioedema is caused by sudden stress or tension which may cause an increase in the body temperature of the patient. If this is the case with you and you develop a sudden swelling usually around lips and eyes or in some cases on tongue and throat, it is time to find ways to relax and relieve tension or your skin problems will aggravate. However, you should also consider certain medical treatments as well for temporary relief e.g. antihistamines.

Sometimes people who are suffering from stress angioedema can develop it even when they are calm and relaxed. It might sound weird but there is a logical reason to this, and the reason is that emotional stress can provoke certain long lasting immunological changes which may continue even when you are not stressed out. In this case, you may get angioedema even when you are not under stress.

Understanding Angioneurotic Oedema and Quincke’s Edema?

Angioneurotic oedema is an obsolete name for angioedema, whereas quincke’s edema is another name which is still in use. The name angioneurotic oedema is now obsolete, as in the past it was believed that the neuro system had certain involvements in the outbreak of angioedema. However  recent studies have revealed that this concept was false.

Quincke’s edema can be characterized by rapid swelling of the skin which is usually painless. The swelling can occur anywhere on the body, however it usually occurs around the lips and eyes. The patient may also feel cramping in the belly and vomiting.

If you want to read more about angioneurotic oedema or quicke’s edema, read here.

—-

Angioedema was referred to as angioneurotic oedema in the past, why, will be explained later. Still there is a long list of names of this disease e.g. quinke’s edema or quincke edema. The rest of the article explains the details of this disease.

In the past, it was believed that nervous system has some involvement with angioedema. Therefore, the term angioneurotic oedema was used to refer to this skin problem. However, recent studies have revealed that this is not the case indeed and angioedema has other causes and symptoms.

Quincke’s edema is another commonly used name for angioedema. It is characterized by the rapid swelling of the human skin. Mostly, the swelling does not cause itching but it may be painful sometimes. In most of the cases, the swelling only lasts for a few hours whereas in severer cases, swelling can last up to more than six weeks.

There are two major sub-types of quincke’s edema: acquired quincke’s edema which usually results in response to allergies or autoimmune causesand hereditary quincke’s edema which is a familial problem and passes down the problems.

The common symptom of quincke’s edema is swelling, which develops rapidly on the eyes, lips, tongue and throat. However, it is not limited to these areas only, and any other part of the body can also be affected e.g. hands, arms and feet etc. the swelling in the upper airway or mouth can result in suffocation and must be treated as a medical emergency. In some cases Urticaria (hives) may also develop along with it.

When it comes to treating acquired Quincke’s edema, epinephrine has been a great success but in case of hereditary Quincke edema, the results vary greatly. It is recommended that for a proper diagnosis you may have an allergy test by a qualified doctor. Urine and blood tests can be helpful in diagnosing if you are infected by Quincke’s edema or not. Certain antihistamines, cinnarazine and many other drugs, and certain therapies e.g. Chinese acupuncture are quite helpful in the treatment.

What are the Major Angioedema Symptoms?

If you know the symptoms of a disease, you can identity it right from the start and handling it becomes much easier. If you do not know the symptoms or you are confused about them, it could cause delay in the diagnosis and at the end of the day the treatment becomes more difficult.

The case with angioedema is no different, so here are some major angioedema symptoms: swelling usually on the lips, eyes, face, hands, legs, tongue, throat and the private parts. Angioedema swelling is not itchy but is painful. Vomiting, abdominal pain and an outbreak of hives can also be involved in some cases.

If you are interested in learning more about angioedema symptoms, read here for further details.

—-

Certain diseases have unique symptoms through which they can be clearly identified.Angioedema symptoms in some cases are quite similar to those of hives symptoms. In this article I will describe certain angioedema symptoms  which will help you to sort this disease out. To make hereditary angioedema treatment easier, I will also describe some symptoms of hereditary angioedema separately.

The most common and obvious of angioedema symptoms is swelling which is usually right below the surface of the skin. This swelling occurs due the collection of certain fluid i.e. histamines under the skin layers. Swelling usually appears on lips and eyes, and sometimes it may outbreak on hands feet and genitals. However, in sever cases throat, tongue and bowel can get swelled up. Swelling usually lasts 1 to 3 days.

The swelling itself is not itchy but if your angioedema is accompanied by hives, you may feel itching. The swelling can cause a painful feeling and a burning sensation in the affected areas. If the swelling occurs in the throat or air-tubes in lungs, it can cause difficulty in breathing.

Hereditary Angioedema Symptoms

Hereditary angioedema passes down the family and can be life taking. Here are certain hereditary angioedema symptoms for your knowledge, but it is recommended that you should consult a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The most common symptom of hereditary angioedema besides swelling is abdominal pain caused by swelling in the stomach and bowel. In some cases swelling of the bladder or urethra has also been reported. Other common symptoms include swelling of the tongue and throat, vomiting, swelling of legs, abdominal pain and cramps, and dehydration.

Symptoms of Angioedema

There are several symptoms of angioedema as explained above but let me revise the major ones for you: the obvious and common sign is swelling usually on the lips, eyes face hands, legs, tongue, throat and the private parts. Swelling is not itchy but painful.

Where to find Angioedema Support? Search for Angioedema Emedicine?

Many people who are suffering from angioedema are usually confused about where to find reliable angioedema support. It is true that fighting this annoying and life threatening disease alone is difficult. If you are experiencing this, have a good look on the internet.

Like many other people you can search for angioedema emedicine on the search engines and you will jump to one of the largest online clinical knowledge bases and find valuable knowledge about angioedema.

If you are interested in reading more where and how to find angioedema support or angioedema emedicine, read here and read my detailed guide on this specific topic.

—-

This article is about on of the biggest online clinical medical knowledge bases, eMedicine searchable by keywords e.g. angioedema emedicine, facial angioedema etc. I will also explain where to find angioedema support at the end.

The web based knowledge base of emedicine was founded in 1996 by two medical doctors: Scott Plantz and Richard Lavely. It is comprises of over 6,800 articles, each of which is linked to one of 62 different clinical subspecialty textbooks. There is a large amount of traffic on this website as the people search the details of diseases they are suffering from. In the first month of 2006, the website was browsed by nearly 1.5 million readers each day, from 120 different countries of the globe.

To fight any disease you are suffering from, it is always helpful to have as much knowledge about it as possible. No matter what kind of angioedema you are suffering form you can find a great deal of information on emedicine.

If you are prone to angioedema, it is always in your interest to avoid the allergens and factors that may trigger it. However, if you have already become a victim, you need support to get out of trouble. Thanks to the modern science that now angioedema support is easier than ever.

The best approach is to search for the content online for the help you are looking for. It is a pity that most of the information you find is junk, so filter out the junk and find the valuable information according to your specific case. Besides an overload of junk, the good thing is that you can find help regarding any issue you are facing i.e. no matter you are looking for facial angioedema, hereditary angioedema. However, before following any steps mentioned on the internet, you must seek professional guidance.

What are the Differences and Similarities Between Hives and Angioedema?

It doesn’t matter if you are suffering from hives or angioedema, neither one is a pleasant experience. Many patients feel desperate and hopeless. However, if you learn the basics of these diseases and how to treat them properly, you can make your life much easier.

Let us first consider the differences: angioedema is deep inside the skin and usually not visible with naked eye, whereas hives are on the dermis or upper layer of the skin. Hives rashes are itchy while angioedema swelling is not itchy, but can be painful in some cases.

Angioedema can be lethal, but hives do not threaten the patient’s life. As far as the similarities are concerned, both of these diseases have pretty similar triggers and causes e.g. allergies, pressure, stress, extreme temperatures as well as similar treatment

Do read my next post equating dermographism and angioedema which will be here in the upcoming week.

—-

What are the Steps To Follow When Angioedema Swelling Becomes Intolerable?

As promised earlier, today’s post is about some simple steps which can be helpful when battling angioedema. Usually angioedema swelling is painless, but when it is painful it can be literally intolerable. Let us see what steps can help reduce the pain.

If you are in the middle of angioedema treatment, but the swelling is getting out of control, try to cool down the affected area and if there is difficulty in breathing, go out in the open, fresh air and take large slow breaths. You may take H1 antagonists with antihistamines. In case of acquired angioedema, epinephrine has proven itself to be a lifesaving drug.

Everyone wants to learn the similarities and differences between two analogous diseases; the post next week will explain the comparison between hives and urticaria, a must read for patients.

—-

Learning about Angioedema Swelling & the Angioedema Rash?

Are you having itch-less swelling around your eyes, lips or any other part of body? Well, it is quite possible that it might be angioedema swelling usually caused by what some people call an angioedema rash.

Swelling is the most common and obvious symptom of angioedema, a weird skin problem which can even threaten the life of the patient.Even though this swelling is painless, it usually vanishes within a few hours without any treatment. If it progresses quickly, especially on the tongue, throat or upper airway, it may cause suffocation so it should be treated as a medical emergency.

To read more about angioedema swelling & angioedema rash, read here.

—-

Angioedema swelling is the main symptom of angioedema and also differentiates it from hives (urticaria). On the other hand angioedema rash is not very common while rashes are more commonly found on the skin of the patient suffering from hives.

Angioedema, also known as Quincke edema, is the hasty swelling of the skin resulted by the swelling of dermis, and submucosal tissues. Usually the angioedema swelling lasts a few hours after the outbreak and does not threaten the life of the patient. However, if the swelling progresses rapidly in the upper airway, tongue or throat it can block the airway and cause suffocation hence, should be treated as a medical emergency. Epinephrine is a life saving drug in case of acquired angioedema but it is not very effective in familial angioedema.

Angioedema swelling does not cause itchiness like the hives, however, it might cause a burning sensation in some cases. You can do certain things to reduce the swelling and the subsequent burning. The foremost thing is to avoid the triggers and allergens that cause swelling. Cooling down the affected area also helps. Ingestion of antihistamines also reduces the swelling by counter-affecting the histamine release or the allergies. However, if you are looking for a permanent cure for you skin problem you should consult a qualified doctor.

Usually the angioedema swelling appears around the eyes and lips but it can outbreak anywhere on the body including hands, feet, arms etc. In severer cases the swelling appears on the tongue and in the throat. For individuals who are suffering from angioedema, triggers can lead to recurring or chronic angioedema i.e. the swelling may reappear after disappearing for a while. Several triggers can result in angioedema including ecological factors and allergies, some food items, underlying diseases, and some physical factors, along with others. Taking certain drugs may also result in angioedema swelling.

Understanding the basics of Angioedema Pathophysiology and Angioedema Support?

If you are looking for angioedema support or want to know the details of angioedema pathaphysiology, you have come to the right place. This blog will give you the basic information, however for further details you can read my more detailed article.

It is one of the many blessings of the internet that now, angioedema support is easier than ever. Unfortunately the bulk of the information is useless or only for advertisement. You need to filter out the junk and find the information relating to your specific case. Pathaphysiology is a branch of medical science which involves the study of certain changes in the normal physical or biochemical functions. If you are suffering from angioedema, understanding the angioedema pathaphysiology can help battle this problem in a better way.

To read more about angioedema pathaphysiology or angioedema support, read here.

—-

This article describes angioedema pathaphysiology and angioedema support for those who are battling this weird, annoying and deadly disease. For better understanding I have divided this guide into two virtual parts: the first one will tell you where and how to find reliable angioedema support whereas the second one explains angioedema pathaphysiology.

If you are prone to angioedema sometimes also called facial angioedema, try to avoid the allergens and factors that may trigger this bizarre disease. However, if you have are already suffering from it, you need reliable and timely support to get out of trouble. Thanks to the internet that now angioedema support is easier than ever. But most of the information is junk or only for advertisement, filter out the junk and find the information relating to your specific case.

Pathaphysiology is a branch of medical science which involves the study of certain changes in the normal physical or biochemical functions. These changes are usually caused in response to a disease or abnormal syndrome. Similarly, angioedema pathaphysiology entails the stud of changes in normal physical or biochemical functions caused by angioedema. The rest of the article describes angioedema pathaphysiology.

Angioedema when occurring without hives (urticaria) can be classified into tow main categories: acquired angioedema and hereditary angioedema.

Hereditary angioedema occurs due to deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH). Hereditary angioedema is further categorized into three types i.e. type I HAE, type II HAE and type III HAE. First two forms cannot be distinguished clinically whereas the third one occurs in females only.

Acquired angioedema has been classified into two types: type I or type II. It occurs as a result of certain auto-antibodies (autoimmune causes) that take action on the protease which results an increased consumption of C1-INH.

Angioedema accompanied by hives (urticaria) is usually a hypersensitivity reaction to certain offending agents e.g. allergens, extreme temperatures. A fluid called histamine is released into the bloodstream by the mast cells which results in an increased endothelial cell permeability.

What are the Best Drugs for Curing Angioedema?

If you want to learn about the most beneficial medicine for treating angioedema, it is advisable to consult an angioedema specialist for proper diagnosis. This blog will describe some of the most commonly used drugs for curing angioedema.

The safest and most reliable treatments, even in this modern medical age, are herbal products. Some therapies i.e. Chinese acupuncture is also helpful. Hereditary angioedema treatment, caused by C1 Inhibitor deficiency, is a little more difficult. However, certain medicine e.g. Benadryl and some antihistamines can be helpful. Berinert,a relatively new medicine, has been licensed in 30 different countries for the treatment of angioedema. For acquired angioedema treatment, epinephrine is the best medicine and it can be lifesaving.

Some drugs and therapies can be the reason for a angioedema outbreak. If you are prone to angioedema, you must avoid these. To read about these drugs, read my next post in two days.

—-

Why You Need to Consult an Angioedema Specialist or Angioedema Doctor?

When you are suffering from any disease you need an understanding doctor or physician. There are some diseases which you might ignore while there are others which can be deadly and if ignored, the person may have to pay the price in terms of his life. Angioedema can be deadly, and if you are a patient you need an angioedema specialist or angioedema doctor NOW!

A timely diagnosis and proper management of angioedema is necessary. The distorted face, pain and suffering can make life very difficult. You can find a nearby angioedema specialist on the internet, but don’t waste a single minute if you have the following symptoms, painless swelling, abdominal pain, cramping in the belly and vomiting.

Read here for more on angioedema specialist & angioedema doctor.

—–

Angioedema no doubt is a gruesome disease. It not only disfigures you but can also threaten your life. An angioedema specialist or angioedema doctor can be your savior. If you do not consult a qualified doctor timely, the situation may aggravate and can be deadly.

In many cases you can identify considering certain symptoms whether you are infected with angioedema or not. However, for a timely diagnosis and proper treatment you must consult anangioedema specialist as soon as possible.

Let us try to understand what angioedema is, how hazardous it can be and why to consult anangioedema doctor.

Angioedema or Quincke edema can be characterized by the rapid swelling of the human skin in response to allergic as well as non-allergic causes. In most of the cases the swelling lasts up to only a few hours and is not too dangerous. However, if the swelling progresses rapidly it can block the upper airway and result in suffocation hence, should be treated as a medical emergency.

Angioedema is of two types: acquired angioedema and hereditary angioedema. If your family has a legacy of angioedema, you need to be more vigilant and consult an angioedema doctor even if you do not have the symptoms. It is quite possible that you may develop the symptoms at the later stages so proper precautions can be extremely beneficial.

The Internet has really made life easier; you can search the nearest angioedema specialistwhile sitting at your home. When you consult a doctor he might take your blood or urine tests. If the results are positive and you are infected, the doctor will advise certain therapies or intake of certain drugs e.g. epinephrine or antihistamines. You might also be asked to avoid eating certain foods, using certain mechanical tools or try to stay away from certain atmosphere that can cause allergies. Whatever your angioedema doctor asks you to do, make sure you comply strictly, it is a matter of your life!

What is the best Angioedema Medication or Angioedema Therapy

A proper diagnosis of any disease can help , whereas not getting a diagnosis will only  prolong the problem. Today’s blog will tell you what angioedema therapy or angioedema medication you should take for the best results.

The first thing you need to understand is that taking any medicine without theDr’s approval is not a wise option. Some commonly taken angioedema medication includes Epinephrine, Cinnarizine, Benadryl, Kalbirot, Donacrine. Epinephrine is best for acquired angioedema but its results vary in the case of hereditary angioedema.

To learn more about angioedema medication & angioedema therapy, read this comprehensive guide.

When treating angioedema, a proper angioedema medication or an angioedema therapy can be helpful. Certain drugs, steroids, antihistamine therapies, Chinese acupuncture, and some herbal medications have been found helpful for angioedema treatment.

The basic purpose of angioedema medication or angioedema therapy is to put off spontaneous eruption or swelling, to maintain a patent airway for even breathing and in case the eruption have already occurred, the purpose is to stop progression of disease.

If the symptoms are severe H1 and H2 blockers, certain steroids, and subcutaneous epinephrine can be ingested in addition to the antihistamines. However, in case of rapid swelling or airway blockage, the patient must be taken to emergency department.

There is a wide variety of drugs that can be used for angioedema medication. A top quality drug for curing acquired angioedema is epinephrine. Antihistamine therapy can also be opted for an archetypal treatment. The intake of these drugs entirely depends on the type of angioedema you are suffering from.

Given below is a brief description of most commonly used drugs for treating angioedema, however, it is just for informational purpose. Self medication is not recommended as angioedema can be a life threatening disease. You should always consult a qualified doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Epinephrine

• Cinnarizine

• Benadryl with generic name Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

• Kalbirot with generic name Ecallantide

• Donacrine with generic name Danazol

• Cinryze with generic name C1 Esterase Inhibitor

• Berinert with generic name C1 Esterase Inhibitor

• Winstrol with generic name Stanozolol.

On the other hand, there are certain drugs that can be the cause of angioedema and must be avoided. The top culprit in this list is ACEI therapy which causes ACEI induced angioedema. If this is the case, an immediate withdrawal of the therapy must be followed by the appropriate steroids keep the heart rate stable.

Learning about Angioedema in Children

To see children suffering from a disease can be very distressing.  One of these diseases is angioedema in children. The angioedema medical definition is: “it’s an allergic skin disease characterized by itch-less and painless swelling of the skin.

Angioedema in children not only disfigures their faces temporarily because of the swelling but can also prove deadly. You should learn more about this disease and how to properly manage the problem.

If you want to learn more about angioedema in children read this  detailed guide on this topic.

This article will explain the causes, symptoms and management of angioedema in children; however, for better understanding, angioedema medical definition is given in the beginning.

The angioedema medical definition is an allergic skin disorder typically characterized by itchless and painless swelling involving the skin, dermis, subcutaneous tissues, the mucous membranes, and occasionally, the viscera.  Other common names of angioedema are Quincke edema, angioneurotic edema, giant urticaria, and Quincke’s disease.

Angioedema in children can be caused by allergic reactions (e.g. rubber allergy), ACE inhibitor therapy, drugs (e.g. aspirin), insect bites (e.g. ladybug), some autoimmune reasons or it can be a hereditary problem.

The most common and obvious symptoms of angioedema in children entail swelling on certain parts of the body, abdominal pain and cramps occur frequently. These symptoms usually occur without any recognizable cause. In some case the child may start vomiting or nausea without any obvious reason.

Hereditary angioedema becomes evident in children with the mean age of 4.8 years. It can affect boys and equal number of girls. Girls can be impacted easily due to hormonal changes during their puberty. A qualified doctor can diagnose the problem by obtaining the respective blood tests.

Ongoing monitoring and documenting of the symptoms observed can help the physician to formulate a treatment plan efficiently. In case of sudden abdominal pain certain painkillers and anti-nausea agents can be hopeful.

Children can suffer recurrent episodes of angioedema and the abdominal pain so you must take some necessary steps to manage this annoying problem. The teachers and caregivers who are supervising such children must have the telephone numbers of the parents, HAE center or the physician. If the child is going for outing, emergency medications, his emergency identification card and the letter by the physician should be kept at hand. If the child is stay out of home for a longer period of time, you should consult the situation in detail with the physician.