Facial angioedema is a form of swelling caused in the epidermis, or the top layer of the human skin. This illness is caused in one of two ways, and for each of these there is in fact a specific name. Acquired facial angioedema is caused by allergic reactions to outside stimuli, and is one of the common symptoms of many food or skin allergies with which people suffer.

However, allergic reactions are not the only cause of this illness, as it can also be genetic if passed by the dominant gene in pairing. Regardless of the cause of this illness though, the symptoms of it are fairly identical across the board, and depending on person and severity of the cause, can vary in level of seriousness.

Facial angioedema symptoms are fairly easy to detect, allowing response time to the illness to be fairly quick once one knows what to look for. A common case of facial angioedema swelling will result in puffed skin on the face, often in the cheeks and eyelids. Someoen suffering from this swelling may be unable to either open or close their mouth to speak, and often cannot open their eyes during the height of the swelling.

The severity of this illness comes not from the swelling effect of the skin itself, but rather what can be a side effect of this swelling. Temporary blindness due to the inability to open one’s eyes is not only alarming and unpleasant, but can be downright dangerous for many reasons. This can render a person unable to function normally for periods of time, and can be quite distressing as well.

Another problem can be the inability to eat or take in fluids, if the swelling has caused troubles using the mouth. Dehydration or lack of sufficient nutrition can be a result of prolonged facial angioedema, and are not something to be taken lightly in that scenario. A related side effect of swelling around the mouth can be some difficulty breathing, which if severe enough is far more dangerous than dehydration or lack of nutrition.

Reaction to facial angioedema swelling depends on the patient’s history, and how long the current instance of swelling has taken place. Acquired facial angioedema is the result of allergic reactions, and is something to be addressed immediately as the allergy may have other problems alongside the swelling that can be more serious yet.

For patients with genetic facial angioedema, it depends more on the aforementioned history of the patient. If they have a history of prolonged swelling when symptoms flare up, then it’s important to be proactive and respond immediately when the patient shows signs of swelling. However, if the patient is prone to very short-lived swelling on occasion, due to a milder case of the illness, then less concern is necessary.

Treating facial angioedema swelling

In cases of allergic or acquired facial angeioedema swelling, the treatment is usually to address the allergy or irritant itself, rather than the swelling. Considering the allergy is the cause of the swelling, this should eventually remedy the problem.

However, when it comes to hereditary swelling, the treatment is a bit more direct to the swelling itself. The swelling is still due to some form of stimuli (external cause), as it can’t just randomly happen for no reason on its own. This is a case of knowing a patient’s history, and avoiding the stimuli known to cause swelling relapses in the patient.

No two patients are identical, as the human body is a diverse and complicated machine. It is best to consult a doctor whenever hereditary swelling occurs, as they are the best equipped to determine which stimuli may have caused it, and what to do to address these in the future.

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.

Urticaria is a kind of disease which can include other symptoms, especially if the underlying causes are not cured properly. Today’s post will show the related conditions which can accompany urticaria and how they make urticaria treament harder.

The most feared and deadly related condition of urticaria is angioedema.  In angioedema there is  swelling instead of welts, which occurs deeper in the skin. The swelling usually occurs on the face: around the lips and eyes and that is why it is also called facial angioedema. If urticaria is accompanied by angioedema, it should be paid serious attention to, especially if it occurred in response to an allergen. Furthermore, angioedema can cause suffocation and threaten the life of the patient.

If you want to learn the pathophysiology of urticaria in simplest form, read my post next week.

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.

Ok friends, time for two more skin problems to be discussed for your benefit. Facial angioedema affects the face of the patient, usually the eyes, lips and in some cases throat and tongue also. To learn about ICD angioedema, you have to read the next few lines.

Facial angioedema is not only itchy and painful but grows temporary lumps on your face.It can damage your social life and can affect the schooling of children . ICD, acronym for International Statistical Classification of Diseases, basically, is a coding of different diseases, their symptoms, abnormal social conditions, complaints and certain external causes of injury or diseases. If you want to read more about Facial Angioedema & ICD Angioedema click here to read the detailed article.

In the simplest words, facial angioedema affects the face of the patient, usually the eyes and lips. Imagine what an unsightly look it can give to your beautiful face.

Urticaria Angioedema; though quite similar in nature, are two different skin problems. The major difference between these two is that urticaria occurs in the upper-dermis where as angioedema occurs in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Urticaria is evident by wheals and itching whereas angioedema is characterized by rapid swelling.

To understand facial angioedema you need to understand what angioedema is, which is explained in my detailed article about Facial Angioedema & Urticaria Angioedema, click here to read.