First aid at home for Quincke's edema
Angioedema (angioedema) is a local tissue swelling that occurs suddenly. It appears most often on the face (lips, tongue, mucous membrane of the mouth and/or throat, eyelids) or on the hands. Treatment of an allergic reaction in the form of angioedema should be carried out within the scope of emergency care, since the disease develops extremely quickly, within a few minutes. In severe cases, respiratory stridor (noisy whistling caused by obstruction of the larynx or trachea) occurs, a condition that requires tracheal intubation.
Causes of angioedema in adults
The cause of Quincke's edema is exposure to an allergen (eg, peanuts, chocolate). However, either idiopathic edema of unknown etiology or weakly correlated with exposure to an allergen is often found. Angioneurotic edema can reflect somatic pathologies, such as: diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system dysfunctions, chronic foci of infection, parasitic invasions, systemic diseases.
Angioedema in adults can be caused by chemicals, including medications and physical factors (temperature, pressure). Quincke's edema often develops under the influence of several factors at once.
Hereditary form (SAN) often remains undetected for a long time, as its symptoms can resemble those of allergies, intestinal colic or other pathological conditions. An important point is that SAN is not relieved by antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids. How to treat hereditary angioedema? The therapy of SAN is fundamentally different from the therapy of Quincke's edema. In the acute period, hereditary angioedema is relieved by the introduction of fresh native or fresh-frozen plasma, intravenous administration of tranexamic or aminocaproic acid, danazol, lasix.
Emergency care for Quincke's edema of the larynx
Measures for angioedema are carried out in two stages: relief of the acute condition and therapy of the cause of the disease.
First aid at home for Quincke's edema:
- an ambulance call;
- elimination of the allergen (if it is known);
- providing access to fresh air;
- if the cause of swelling is an insect bite, it is necessary to apply a cold compress to the affected area and a tourniquet above it;
- in case of anaphylactic shock - injection of adrenaline. It is recommended to use convenient auto-injectors with adrenaline.
Emergency care for Quincke's edema of the larynx should be carried out quickly and professionally. Difficulty breathing caused by edema of the respiratory tract is a direct reason for hospitalization, since the development of laryngeal edema may require emergency intubation or tracheostomy. What to do with signs of Quincke's edema on the face? Call an ambulance, and before its arrival, take an antihistamine if it is known that the swelling is caused by contact with an allergen.
Treatment of angioneurotic edema consists in elimination of contact with identified allergens, symptomatic and basic therapy, prevention of recurrence of edema. Indications for hospitalization and inpatient treatment are intestinal edema, lack of effect from outpatient treatment, hypovolemia, development of life-threatening complications. Antagonists of histamine H1 receptors are used in the treatment of Quincke's edema, and in more severe cases and/or when treatment with antihistamines is ineffective, a short course of glucocorticosteroids is used.
Treatment of various types of Quincke's edema
What does Quincke's edema on the lips look like and how long does it last? It is impossible not to notice sharply enlarged lips due to angioedema. As a rule, the swelling subsides on its own after a few days. With adequate treatment, the lips return to normal very quickly. Recommended measures depend on the type of angioedema. Antihistamines are prescribed for the allergic form of angioedema. Important: some drugs of this group can cause drowsiness, so you should refrain from driving a car and drinking alcohol during the treatment period.
How to remove Quincke's edema on the eyes depends on the cause that caused this condition. If the cause is a cosmetic product, you should thoroughly wash it off your face and take an antihistamine pill. Usually, the swelling starts to subside the next day. Eye swelling is a common symptom of angioedema in children. Treatment consists of eliminating contact with the allergen, taking absorbent and antihistamine drugs (as prescribed by a doctor), using antiallergic drops or ointment. Additional use of clean water will help to speed up the elimination of the allergen from the body. You can relieve itching and relieve the condition with the help of a cold compress.
A common cause of Quincke's edema is taking certain medications. Angioedema can be a reaction to antibiotics (especially penicillin groups, aminoglycosides), ACE inhibitors, sulfonamides, iodine preparations, local anesthetics, vitamins. With Quincke's edema caused by an allergy to drugs, it is enough to stop using the drug and take an antihistamine pill. You should consult your doctor about the possibility of replacing the medication with an analogue that does not cause an allergic reaction. Read more about drug allergies on our website Dobrobut.com.
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