If you are confused between the two similar but different diseases; dermographism and hives, this post will clear up the confusion. By understanding the differences between these two, you will be better equipped when choosing dermographism treatment or angioedema treatment.

Let us first get to know the similarities between the two diseases : dermographism and angioedema are both skin problems with similar triggers e.g. extreme temperatures, allergies, pressure, stress, and have they both have similar treatments.

Sometimes, they accompany each other but usually they outbreak seperately.

The major differences between these two are: dermographism is a subtype of hives(urticaria), whereas angioedema is a different disease. Dermographism is itchy, while angioedema is characterized by painless swelling. Angioedema can be deadly but dermographism is only painful. Angioedema is mostly a hereditary problem while dermographism is usually acquired.

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.

The two most feared diseases related to skin are undoubtedly urticaria and angioedema. Though there are many similarities between these two, there are some major differences between them. Certain symptoms, help in distinguishing between them, and can be beneficial in the urticaria treatment as well as angioedema treatment.

Let us first consider the differences: urticaria is on the dermis or upper layer of the skin, whereas angioedema is deep inside. Urticaria wheals are itchy while angioedema swelling is not itchy but can be painful in some cases. Angioedema can be deadly but urticaria does not threaten the patient’s life. As far as the similarities are concerned, both the disease have pretty similar triggers and causes e.g. allergies, pressure, stress, extreme temperatures. Their treatments are also similar to some extent.

Next weeks post will be about hives and dermographism with some amazing surprises.

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.

Angioedema is a painful and life threatening disease and unfortunately its treatment is also very difficult. If you are prone to angioedema or have a family legacy of this ailment, you need to be extra vigilant because hereditary angioedema treatment is the most difficult of all.

Those individuals, who have a family history of angioedema, should consult an angioedema specialist at a younger age. When they are young the treatment can be easy and the disease will respond well to the medication. Avoid the allergens, triggers and causes that may result in the outbreak of angioedema. Stress and some mechanical occupations can also cause angioedema, if you are prone to angioedema avoid such activities.

Angioedema swelling is usually painless, however, in some cases it can be painful. If you want to know how you can reduce this pain, read my post next week.

This post describes the pathophysiology of angioedema. If you or any of your friends or family is a victim of this deadly disease you must read this post and learn what  the biochemical, physical and chemical changes that angioedema can cause are. This will be a great help in angioedema treatment, especially hereditary angioedema treatment.

Acquired angioedema is not as hazardous as hereditary angioedema (HAE) and does not cause much damage.

However, hereditary angioedema which is caused by the C1 inhibitor deficiency can be lethal and extremely hazardous. There are three types of hereditary angioedema: Type I caused in response to decreased levels of C1 inhibitors which is nearly 85% of the original, while in Type II C1 inhibitors stay at normal levels but decreased function which is nearly 15% and Type III is caused due to an X-linked leading fashion so it mainly affects females.

Various drugs, alcohol and foods can be the trigger for angioedema.

That’s all about angioedema pathophysiology. Next week I will post some great tips for safety from angioedema , a must-read for sufferers.

Angioedema is characterized by swelling around different parts of the body, usually on the face around the eyes and lips. The swelling is usually painless but angioedema, especially hereditary angioedema (HAE) can be fatal. Therefore a timely diagnosis and proper angioedema treatment should be carried out.

Angioedema has urticaria (hives) as the most common related condition. Hives are the red itchy wheals that can erupt anywhere on the body. However, there are certain other disorders that may also occur in relation to angioedema including abdominal pain which usually resembles acute abdomen, vomiting and cramping in the belly.

High blood pressure is also expected in severe cases. Angioedema swelling can occur anywhere but it can cause upper airway compromise, which can be deadly and must be treated as medical emergency.

Make sure you do not miss my next post in a week about angioedema pathophysiology ,which will have excellent information, for those who are suffering from this deadly disease.

Individuals suffering from angioedema, especially hereditary angioedema (HAE) are mostly desperate and scared. Angioedema treatment can be an extended and agonizing experience and sometime the pain can cross the persons limits.

The following four points can be a true blessing for the sufferers.

i) Learn what are the main causes and triggers which play a role in the outbreak of angioedema and avoid them.
ii) Make a list of offending stimuli, allergens or foods that can cause allergies, eggs, nuts, wheat, dairy products etc. and avoid them.
iii) Unnecessarily touching or rubbing the rashes can cause the swelling to increase the pain, therefore must be avoided.
iv) Any form of angioedema must be given serious attention, however, if the swelling causes a danger of upper airway compromise, the case should be treated as a medical emergency.

Do not forget to read about  invaluable angioedema and related conditions in my post next week.

Angioedema is not only extremely painful but it can also be life threatening. Angioedema has some very rare forms e.g. uvula angioedema while there are some common subtypes e.g. facial angioedema. Let us see what home remedies can be helpful when you are battling this deadly disease.

Inthe more common forms of angioedema the swelling usually appears on eyes and lips. This can be a disabling disease. If the swelling is progressing rapidly, try to cool down the place and the patient should stay inside the house.

Taking green tea or mint tea can help reduce the difficulty in breathing by clearing the throat. If the swelling progresses rapidly, especially in the upper airway. make sure the patient is given prompt medical treatment.

The post next week will describe the top four tips when you are trying to manage angioedema.

Today’s post has nothing but some very valuable facts about angioedema, that are not very commonly known. These particulars are not only helpful in avoiding angioedema but also they will be handy for treating angioedema suitably.

Angioedema  is different from urticaria or hives. Hives are the red itchy rashes while angioedema is usually a painless swelling  deep inside the skin. Angioedema is the most perilous skin problem and it can be deadly. The swelling usually occurs around the eyes or lips known as facial angioedema, but any part of the body can be affected including the hands, arms, tongue, throat or internal organs.

It can be acquired or a hereditary problem, just like hives. Moreover, it can be acute which usually disappears within a few hours after the outbreak or chronic which stays for a longer period. As it can be deadly, consult a doctor as soon as you see the symptoms.

Next post in two days, will be revealing some undisclosed tips for managing angioedema, do not miss it.