Idiopathic angioedema treatment is a well-documented medical science. However, given that there are multiple forms of angioedema, and variances in the symptoms and severity across cases, these treatments may vary in effectiveness and safety of use. Angioedema is also known as “hives” commonly, and is characteristic for the acute swelling of the skin and the often red, itchy and irritated blotches which can occur beside it. The irritation is known as urticaria, and is very common in cases of angioedema.

Agioedema is categorized under three common forms. The first is acquired angioedema, which is brought on in any number of people when a drug reaction or a common irritant causes the swelling and potential urticaria. This is one of the more common forms of angioedema and is one that any individual may be at risk of experiencing some time in their life.

Hereditary angioedema is when the illness runs in the family, and often the stimulus to induce the symptoms is common between generations, though not always. There are any number of stimuli which can bring about the symptoms when the illness is hereditary. While some allergic reactions resulting in angioedema are acquired, many allergies are also hereditary, making allergic angioedema one of the more common ways hereditary forms of the illness may manifest.

There is however a third category of angioedema, called idiopathic angioedema. This form of the illness occurs when no specific stimulus or genesis of the illness has been documented with clarity in a patient. Sadly, this is a common form of angioedema, and without knowing the cause and nature of it, it is more difficult to treat in the long run.

However, like the other forms of angioedema, idiopathic angioedema treatment is possible, at least when symptoms flare up. Like with many allergic reactions, C1 inhibitors can be synthesized which can help reduce the swelling. The body produces some number of C1 inhibitor on its own for this purpose, but sometimes it’s insufficient. Other cases may simply require using agents to reduce the rate the body uses its existing C1 inhibitors.

In acute cases, doses of epinephrine have been documented to work well on multiple forms of angioedema. First used to treat severe allergic reactions, it has also been known to stimulate a reversal of symptoms more broadly with the illness.

In less severe cases, over the counter supplements which contain epinephrine can be used to treat minor angioedema.

Hereditary angioedema treatment, acquired angioedema treatment and general treatment for angioedema has benefited greatly from continued testing and application of epinephrine.

When Should Medical Help be Sought?

Very acute cases of angioedema, in which the eyes have been swollen shut, or the larynx is being constricted should be taken to an emergency medical practitioner immediately. However, lesser cases which only cause minor swelling that does not inhibit the patient’s ability to function are less serious and can probably be dealt with through an epinephrine-containing supplement. However, one should consult a physician before starting either regular or emergency use of any supplement for this purpose.

Any case of angioedema which lasts longer than six hours without symptoms abating, regardless its severity, should be dealt with by a physician immediately.

Hereditary angioedema treatment is not something that is a simple black and white answer to a problem. This is due to the fact that this is a very common illness which can affect people in just about any group imaginable. Obviously the most telltale sign of a risk of a hereditary illness is family history, and any child born into a family prone to the illness should be tested for it at an early age.

Hereditary angioedema is one of several forms of angeioedema which can occur in the human body, all having similar symptoms but somewhat unique causes. The other primary type of angioedema is called “acquired angioedema”. The acquired form is more of a symptom of a greater problem, due to an irritant or universal allergen being introduced into the body’s system. Common examples of this are drug reactions and some chemical or dust particulate reactions that are well-documented.

The symptoms of most forms of angioedema are the swelling of the epidermis (or outer layer of skin) in the face or other parts of the body. Common side effects of this can be difficulty breathing, the swelling shut of orifices, and in more severe cases lack of mobility. In facial angioedema, one of the more common ways it manifests, it’s not uncommon for the eyes and sometimes mouth to swell to where they can not open. In some cases, swelling can occur in the throat as well, constricting the larynx, which is potentially quite fatal.

Now, the big difference with hereditary angioedema is that it is due to an allergy a person genetically has, or a sensitivity to other stimuli which a person who does not have the illness will not be susceptible to. In hereditary cases, there is usually a common, repeating stimulus in the family which causes resurgence of the symptoms.

Hereditary Angeioedema Treatments

Treatments, as said before depend on the hereditary angioedema symptoms that are being experienced, as well as some factors in body chemistry and family history. Hereditary illnesses tend to be harder to give as blanket treatment solution to due to the wide array of variables that must be dealt with.

One of the best forms of hereditary angioedema treatments are to be proactive and avoid encountering the stimulus or stimuli which may provoke the symptoms to arise. However, this is of course not always possible. One cannot hide from the world at large, and one can never be certain that all stimuli which cause the symptoms have been documented in their specific case. This can result in surprise (unpleasant) discovery of a new irritant factor at any time.

In cases where the symptoms are particularly severe and even life threatening, medical assistance is tantamount. Most physicians will use a method of synthesizing C1 inhibitors, a substance the body usually to fight such severe swelling. In some cases, they can introduce medications which can actually prevent the rapid consumption of the body’s natural C1 inhibitors as well.

While there is no magical cure to eradicate the disease, or make the symptoms suddenly vanish, most medical facilities are very well-equipped to fight severe outbreaks of angioedema swelling in hereditary or acquired cases. However, in daily life, the most practical thing is to be cautious and to know what stimuli are known to cause one’s outbreaks in the first place.

Being proactive is often the best medicine in daily living.

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.

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.

Of course it is possible, but it is not as easy as one would wish.

Epinephrine has been a great cure in the case of acquired angioedema, but its results are not so good when dealing with hereditary angioedema treatment. However, you may have an allergy test at your Doctor. You may also get urine and blood tested in order to find out, if you have angioedema or not. If the results are positive, it can be cured with certain therapies or antihistamines. If you experience difficulty in breathing, try to go in the open air and breathe slowly and consult a doctor immediately. The most important thing is avoiding any other drugs when you are affected by angioedema.

Want to learn more about hereditary angioedema treatment? Click here.