Allergic edema

Allergic conditions in each person are manifested in different ways. At someone they pass almost imperceptibly and painlessly, and someone has to suffer. For people with an increased tendency to allergies, the emergence of primary allergy symptoms is already a cause of concern. After all, if you do not immediately provide the proper help and treatment, the symptoms can very quickly turn into allergic swelling, which is fraught with consequences.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Causes of an allergic edema

Swelling can be both allergic and non-allergic. Non-allergic edema can be associated with overloading the body with physical activity, pregnancy, the consequences of various diseases, etc. Allergic swelling, in turn, is always a consequence of the effects of various allergens on the human body. As a rule, edema occurs only when human food allergens are affected by food allergens, that is, those that directly enter the body. Such a symptom is nothing more than the development of a vast or diffuse abnormality of subcutaneous adipose tissue or mucous membranes. Accordingly, edema can be affected by any part of the body, but as a result of an allergic reaction, the face, eyes, throat or hands most often suffer.

The onset of edema is already an occasion to sound an alarm and begin urgent treatment for allergies. After all, the development of edema, especially this is associated with swelling of the mucous membranes of the throat and nasopharynx, can lead to difficulties in breathing and, as a consequence, to choking. Therefore, if there is a first suspicion of the onset of swelling, consult a doctor. Remember that the causes of edema may be different, but the treatment should be immediate.

[7], [8]

Pathogenesis of allergic edema

Edema is nothing more than the accumulation of fluid (water and electrolytes) in the cavities between organs and tissues. Depending on the place of accumulation of such fluid, different forms of edema are distinguished. Anasarca is a type of edema in which fluid accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue. It is this form of edema that is most often characteristic of allergic diseases. Hydrothorax is an edema in the thoracic cavity; edema in the pericardial bag is called the hydropericardium; edema located in the abdominal cavity is called ascites and in the scrotum - hydrocele.

Six pathogenetic factors are characteristic for the development of edema: 

• Hydrodynamic - a factor in which edema develops as a result of intercapillary fluid exchange. If the pressure in the arterial part of the capillaries exceeds the total pressure in the tissues, the fluid from the vascular bed of the capillaries enters directly into the tissue. For the venous part, the process is reversed. Thus, due to increased pressure in one of the parts (tissue or capillaries) there is a swelling of hydrodynamic nature. 
• Membrane is a pathogenetic factor that is associated with an increase in the permeability of vascular-tissue membranes. If the permeability rises, then the process of circulation of fluid from tissues to the vessels and vice versa is greatly facilitated. Permeability of membranes rises, as a rule, due to the action on the body of histamine, which is very typical for allergic diseases. 
• Osmotic - a factor that is associated with the accumulation in the interstitial space of electrolytes, which leads to water inflow and the development of edema. 
• Oncotic - pathogenetic factor, which is typical for pathological conditions. In this case, the oncotic pressure in the tissues becomes large and the fluid from the tissues tends to the vessels, which leads to excessive accumulation and development of various edemas. This pathogenesis is associated with a decrease in the level of protein in the blood plasma. 
• Lymphatic - a factor that leads to the development of edema due to stagnation of lymph. At increased pressure, water from the lymph will enter the tissues, and promote the development of edema. 
• Decrease in tissue mechanical pressure - typical for inflammatory and toxic edema. It happens that the level of collagen in the vessels is significantly reduced, and the tissues become friable and soft. This allows the liquid to freely penetrate into the vessels. So the inflammatory edema develops.

In its pure form, a similar pathogenesis of edema is very rare. As a rule, if there are allergic edemas, several pathogenetic factors take part at once, which only the specialist can determine.

Symptoms of an allergic swelling

Actually from the very definition of an allergic edema it is clear that the main symptom of its occurrence is a certain swelling of some parts of the body and organs of man. Most often this symptom is manifested on the facial tissues of the skin, feet and the rear surfaces of the hands. Pain sensations, as a rule, do not arise. But this is not the only symptom characteristic of allergic edema. Allergic diseases significantly affect the work of the entire human body as a whole, and therefore symptomatic manifestations will occur in different parts of the body.

It is worth starting with the fact that the skin itself becomes very pale in the area of the edema itself. The edema is very tight in structure and does not leave any traces when pressing the finger. In this case, redness, a small rash and sensation of itching may appear in other parts of the body.

In 25% of cases, in addition to edema of the skin, there may be swelling of the larynx, nasopharynx or trachea. Such swelling is extremely dangerous for a person, since they can cause suffocation. Additional symptoms of such edema include difficulty in breathing, increased anxiety, "barking" cough and hoarseness in the voice. If there is a temporary suffocation, the skin of the face and loss of consciousness can be observed.

Symptoms of an allergic edema may manifest themselves differently depending on the degree of propensity to allergy and individual characteristics. If you suspect a complication of symptoms, you should immediately consult a specialist for advice and treatment recommendations.

Allergic edema: species by location

As we have already said, edema can be both allergic and non-allergic. But even in the case of allergic edema, the places of their occurrence may be different. Very often, swelling occurs on the eyelids, which complicates the work of the organs of vision. Edema of the eyelids, as a rule, is a consequence of Quincke's edema. Edema is usually one-sided and quite significant, up to complete swelling of the eye. It is localized most often in the upper eyelid. Edema occurs because of the effects on the human body of allergens such as chocolate, eggs, milk or other foods, as well as pollen of flowering plants.

Treatment of eye swelling means neutralizing the effects of the allergen, as well as the use of eye drops or ointments (Opatanol, Lecrolin) and hormonal drugs - Dexamethasone.

Allergic lip swelling is most often associated again with exposure to food allergens, or allergens contained in medicines. May also occur as a result of an insect bite or contact with animal hair. Edema of the lips should not be ignored, because such edema can lead to deformation of the lips, the need to remove peri-lateral tissues and other complications, such as spreading the infection to other parts of the body, up to the blood.

The swelling of the face can, of course, be caused and simply by excessive consumption of alcohol. In this case, the allergic reaction has nothing to do with swelling. But if the face swelling has arisen after contact with animal hair or taking a certain food, then it is worth considering that you are allergic. Edema of the face, as a rule, does not last longer than 3-4 hours and passes as quickly as it did. But if the symptom persists for a long time, you should consult a doctor for treatment recommendations.

The most dangerous of allergic edema is the Quincke's edema, as it is accompanied by simultaneous blood thickening. This is due to the development of gymnastine in the human body due to interaction with the allergen. In addition to allergic reactions, Quincke's edema can cause diseases of the endocrine system, internal diseases and parasitic or viral infections. Quincke's edema with complications in the form of edema of the trachea and throat can also lead to death, since it causes suffocation. Quincke's edema can provoke additional edema of the internal organs, which significantly complicates the situation and treats allergies. Swelling of the internal organs in this case is accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea and tingling of the palate and tongue. In its most severe forms, Quincke's edema can reach the swelling of the brain envelopes. Symptomatic in such cases will imply the inhibition of the body's reactions, constant nausea and convulsions. In the event of edema, Quinck should immediately seek medical attention for the appropriate treatment, since it is difficult to cure swelling with only antihistamines in its complex forms.

Allergic edema of the nose can occur both seasonally due to exposure to a certain allergen, and all-the-year-round because of chronic allergic reactions. Allergens in such cases are rather specific factors like smell of perfume, smoke, printing ink, etc. Allergic edema of the nose manifests itself in the appearance of cyanotic-gray edema in the nasal concha. There may be abundant discharge from the nose. All this affects the decrease in smell, appetite and leads to sleep disorders and the full functioning of the human body. Remove allergic edema of the nose can be with the help of a physiological solution - thorough washing of nasal concha not only removes swelling, but will be a good prevention of allergic diseases. However, an allergic swelling of the nose can lead to some complications. In particular, such cases can cause permanent dull pain in the forehead, nosebleeds, dry cough and hoarseness. In children, such a symptom and its development in general can lead to the development of an incorrect bite. Treatment of an allergic edema of the nose involves the use of vasoconstricting antihistamines such as indanazoline, naphazoline, tetrizolin. But the purpose of the drug is purely individual and performed by an allergist.

Allergic foot swelling is also called allergic arthritis. Most often, such a symptom arises as a consequence of all sorts of joint diseases, but it can also be caused by an allergic reaction such as Quincke's edema. Edema of the legs is accompanied by redness and pain. To remove a similar edema should take an antiallergic drug. But even removing the edema does not relieve the need to consult a doctor and find out the exact causes of swelling and further treatment.

Sometimes, due to an allergy, there may be a swelling of the throat. The larynx itself is directly affected by the larynx. Allergic swelling of the throat can occur as part of the Quincke's edema, and in the form of an allergic laryngitis. In the latter case, because of the laryngeal edema, one can also observe difficulty in swallowing and breathing, wheezing in the voice, at times there may be fever and a fever. If, in the event of an allergic edema of the throat, neutralize the effect of the allergen on the body and take antihistamines, then allergic laryngitis will take 7-10 days. Pain sensations, as a rule, are not observed, exceptions are cases when a virus disease is added to allergic symptoms.

Allergic swelling of the nasopharynx occurs when cigarette smoke, car exhausts, the smell of perfume, etc., are allergens. May cause high humidity. Additional symptoms in such cases include tear, sneezing, sneezing. Sometimes there may be hoarseness in the voice. To remove the edema, it is necessary to stop the exposure of the allergen to the human body and take antihistamines.

Allergic pulmonary edema can occur as a result of the action of various allergens, but most often a similar symptom is caused by insect bites. Edema begins quite suddenly, just a few minutes after the onset of antigen exposure. First, itchy skin of the face, hands and head, then the person begins to feel heaviness and tightness in the chest. There is shortness of breath. Allergic pulmonary edema can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. For treatment in the first place, it is necessary to neutralize the effect of the allergen on the body and consult with a doctor. Self-medication of allergic pulmonary edema is excluded!

There may be an allergic edema of the bronchi, if the allergen acts directly on them. Among the additional symptoms are cough, breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and constant wheezing. As with pulmonary edema, self-medication is excluded in this case, therefore, when the first symptoms of an allergic edema of the bronchi appear, immediate medical attention should be called.

Due to the effect of an allergen on the body, allergic swelling of the hands may occur. As a rule, such a symptom is one of the forms of the edema of Quincke, in fact, just like the allergic swelling of the penis in men. It is accompanied by the appearance of red spots and itching. Requires immediate neutralization of the effect of the allergen.

[9], [10], [11], [12]

Diagnosis of allergic edema

Diagnosis of an allergic edema is carried out directly by the attending physician on the basis of blood tests and analyzes of the body's reaction to allergens. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist to investigate the nature and nature of the allergic edema, and the appropriate treatment.

[13], [14], [15], [16]

Treatment of allergic edema

In order to remove allergic edema, it is necessary to stop the action of the allergen on the human body and reduce contact with the allergen to a minimum. In the future, the cessation of contact with the allergen will be a good prevention, both the occurrence of allergic edema, and allergic diseases in principle. Treatment of allergic edema of various types and degree of complexity implies strict adherence to the regimen for taking antihistamines or homeopathic medicines prescribed by a doctor, as well as sensitizing the body to the effects of an allergen. Observe the recommendations of the treating specialist and allergic swelling will not bring you severe discomfort, but will pass without much difficulty and complications. Take care of yourself and do prevent allergic diseases.