Idiopathic urticaria angioedema is a form of a very common illness experienced by countless people across the world. Angioedema is commonly called hives, and exists in many many forms. Some of the common and well-documented forms of angioedema include hereditary and acquired.

Acquired angioedema occurs when symptoms are caused by a common irritant that most people are prone to, such as drug reactions or other chemical irritants. Hereditary angioedema also requires some form of stimulus for the symptoms to occur, but has a genetic history within one’s family.

One common link between almost all forms of angioedema are its symptoms, which include swelling of the skin, itchiness and irritation, and other similar issues. Side effects of this swelling and irritation abound as well, and can result in temporary blindness due to the inability to open the eyes, trouble breathing, and even a lack of ability to move in more acute cases.

In the event that the larynx (or commonly, the throat area) is being constricted, this can be a potentialyl fatal problem which requires immediate medical attention. However, in many cases, even acute angioedema can be waited out, unless the symptoms exceed six hours. Past this point, there needs to be medical assistance acquired regardless.

Uticaria angioedema is the form of the illness in which red, exceptionally irritated skin is one of the primary symptoms of this illness. Due to the itchiness of the skin, one must treat the need to scratch it immediately. Like other skin irritations, scratching and rubbing at the itch can result in further irritation or damage of the skin. In very mild cases of angioedema, a simple topical solution to reduce the itching and sensitivity is a good first measure to prevent this particular side effect. However, don’t use a topical analgesic without having first consulted with your physician.

Idiopathic forms of this illness are more problematic. The term “idiopathic” means that it is of, pertaining to or designating a disease with no definite known cause. In other words, sufferers of idiopathic angioedema have cases where the stimuli are not definitely known. This is exceptionally dangerous in situations where the symptoms are particularly acute, obviously. According to some journals, some 50% of angioedema cases are idiopathic at this time.

Living with Angioedema and Urticaria

In living with the symptoms of angioedema and urticaria, one should be proactive. If the disease is idiopathic in one’s case, then avoiding known irritants that are common among non-idiopathic cases is a good place to start. While the idiopathic nature of the case means these are not definite stimuli, they also can’t be ruled out.

Having a good medical workup with one’s physician is an excellent idea, because if the symptoms are acute, then they will be able to treat the symptoms much more effectively in a hospital when they occur. There do exist very effective treatments to keep the symptoms from becoming fatal and eventually, in most cases, get the swelling and irritation to begin to reverse.

Urticaria and angioedema are often problems that go hand in hand, so it’s also important to know the best ways, in mild cases, to treat swelling in flesh as well as irritation. Again, though, one should always consult their physician before trying a new remedy for the skin irritation or swelling that these illnesses bring about. One can not be too careful!

In any case of urticaria and angioedema, if the swelling lasts longer than six hours, medical help should be sought immediately.