Allergic edema

Allergic conditions manifest themselves differently in each person. For some, they pass almost unnoticed and painlessly, while others have to suffer. For people with an increased tendency to allergies, the appearance of primary allergy symptoms is already a reason to worry. After all, if proper assistance and treatment are not provided immediately, the symptoms can very quickly develop into allergic edema, which is fraught with consequences.

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Causes of allergic edema

Edema can be of both allergic and non-allergic nature. Non-allergic edema can be associated with overload of the body with physical activity, pregnancy, consequences of various diseases, etc. Allergic edema, in turn, is always a consequence of the impact of various allergens on the human body. As a rule, edema occurs only when a person is exposed to food or drug allergens, that is, those that directly enter the body. Such a symptom is nothing more than the development of extensive or diffuse damage to subcutaneous fatty tissue or mucous membranes. Accordingly, any part of the body can be subject to edema, but as a result of an allergic reaction, the face, eyes, throat or hands most often suffer.

The occurrence of edema is already a reason to sound the alarm and begin urgent treatment of allergies. After all, the development of edema, especially this is associated with edema of the mucous membranes of the throat and nasopharynx, can lead to breathing difficulties and, as a result, to suffocation. Therefore, at the first suspicion of the occurrence of edema, consult a doctor. Remember that the causes of edema can be different, but treatment should be immediate.

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Pathogenesis of allergic edema

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

There are six pathogenetic factors that are characteristic of 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, then the fluid from the vascular bed of the capillaries flows directly into the tissue. For the venous part, the process is the opposite. Thus, as a result of increased pressure in one of the parts (tissue or capillaries), edema of a hydrodynamic nature occurs.
• Membrane - a pathogenetic factor that is associated with increased permeability of vascular-tissue membranes. If permeability increases, then the process of fluid circulation from tissues to vessels and vice versa is significantly facilitated. Membrane permeability increases, as a rule, due to the effect of histamine on the body, which is very typical for allergic diseases.
• Osmotic – a factor that is associated with the accumulation of electrolytes in the intertissue space, which leads to an influx of water and the development of edema.
• Oncotic is a pathogenetic factor that is characteristic of pathological conditions. In this case, the oncotic pressure in the tissues becomes high and the fluid from the tissues tends to flow into the vessels, which leads to its excessive accumulation and the development of various edemas. Such pathogenesis is associated with a decrease in the level of proteins in the blood plasma.
• Lymphatic - a factor that leads to the development of edema due to stagnation of lymph. With increased pressure, water from the lymph will enter the tissues and contribute to the development of edema.
• A decrease in tissue mechanical pressure is typical for inflammatory and toxic edema. It happens that the level of collagen in the vessels decreases significantly, and the tissues become loose and soft. This allows the fluid to penetrate the vessels without hindrance. This is how inflammatory edema develops.

In its pure form, such pathogenesis of edemas is very rare. As a rule, when allergic edemas occur, several pathogenetic factors are involved at once, which only a specialist can accurately determine.

Symptoms of allergic edema

In fact, from the definition of allergic edema it is clear that the main symptom of its occurrence is a certain swelling of some parts of the body and human organs. Most often, this symptom appears on the facial tissues of the skin, feet and back surfaces of the hands. Painful sensations, as a rule, do not occur. But this is not the only symptom characteristic of allergic edema. Allergic diseases significantly affect the functioning of the entire human body as a whole, therefore, symptomatic manifestations will occur in various parts of the body.

It is worth starting with the fact that directly in the area of the swelling itself, the skin becomes very pale. The swelling is very dense in its structure and when pressing with a finger, no special marks remain. At the same time, redness, small rashes and itching sensations may occur in other parts of the body.

In 25% of cases, in addition to skin edema, laryngeal, nasopharyngeal, or tracheal edema may also occur. Such edema is extremely dangerous for a person, as it can cause suffocation. Additional symptoms of such edema include difficulty breathing, increased anxiety, a "barking" cough, and hoarseness in the voice. If temporary suffocation occurs, the skin of the face may turn blue and loss of consciousness may occur.

Symptoms of allergic edema may manifest themselves differently depending on the degree of susceptibility to allergies and individual characteristics. If you suspect complications of symptoms, you should immediately contact a specialist for advice and treatment recommendations.

Allergic edema: types by location

As we have already said, swelling can be of both allergic and non-allergic nature. But even in the case of allergic swelling, the places of its occurrence can be different. Very often swelling occurs on the eyelids, which makes it difficult for the organs of vision to function. Swelling of the eyelids, as a rule, is a consequence of Quincke's edema. The swelling is most often one-sided and quite significant, up to complete swelling of the eye. It is most often localized on the upper eyelid. Swelling occurs due to the effect on the human body of such allergens as chocolate, eggs, milk or other food products, as well as pollen from flowering plants.

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

Allergic swelling of the lips is most often associated with the effects of food allergens or allergens contained in medications. It can also occur as a result of insect bites or contact with animal hair. Swelling of the lips should not be ignored, since such swelling can lead to deformation of the lips, the need to remove perilip tissue and other complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, even blood.

Of course, facial swelling can also be caused by simply drinking too much alcohol. In this case, an allergic reaction has nothing to do with swelling. But if facial swelling occurs after contact with animal hair or eating certain foods, then you should consider whether you have an allergy. Facial swelling usually does not last longer than 3-4 hours and goes away as quickly as it appeared. But if the symptom persists for a long time, then you should consult a doctor for treatment recommendations.

The most dangerous of allergic edemas is Quincke's edema, as it is accompanied by simultaneous thickening of the blood. This occurs due to the production of gymnastic in the human body as a result of interaction with an allergen. In addition to allergic reactions, Quincke's edema can be caused by diseases of the endocrine system, diseases of internal organs 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, as it causes suffocation. Quincke's edema can also provoke additional edema of internal organs, which significantly complicates the situation and treatment of allergies. Edema of 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 even reach edema of the membranes of the brain. Symptoms in such cases will imply inhibition of the body's reactions, constant nausea and convulsions. If Quincke's edema occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor for appropriate treatment, since in its severe forms it is difficult to cure the edema with antihistamines alone.

Allergic swelling of the nose can occur both seasonally due to exposure to a certain allergen, and year-round due to chronic allergic reactions. In such cases, allergens are quite specific factors such as the smell of perfume, smoke, printing ink, etc. Allergic swelling of the nose manifests itself in the appearance of bluish-gray swelling in the nasal conchae. There may also be profuse nasal discharge. All this affects the decrease in the sense of smell, appetite and leads to sleep disorders and the full functioning of the human body. Allergic swelling of the nose can be relieved with a saline solution - thoroughly rinsing the nasal conchae with it will not only relieve swelling, but will also be a good prevention of allergic diseases. However, allergic swelling of the nose can also lead to some complications. In particular, such cases can cause constant 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 malocclusion. Treatment of allergic nasal edema involves the use of vasoconstrictor antihistamines, such as Indanazoline, Naphazoline, Tetrizoline. But the prescription of the drug is strictly individual and is performed by an allergist.

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

Sometimes, swelling of the throat may also occur as a result of allergies. The larynx itself is directly susceptible to swelling. Allergic swelling of the throat may occur as part of Quincke's edema, or as allergic laryngitis. In the latter case, due to swelling of the larynx, one may also observe difficulty in swallowing and breathing, wheezing in the voice, and sometimes there may be fever and elevated temperature. If, when allergic swelling of the throat occurs, the effect of the allergen on the body is neutralized and antihistamines are taken, then allergic laryngitis will pass in 7-10 days. Painful sensations, as a rule, are not observed, the exception being cases when a viral disease is added to allergic symptoms.

Allergic swelling of the nasopharynx occurs when the allergens are cigarette smoke, car exhaust, perfume, etc. High air humidity can also be a cause. Additional symptoms in such cases include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing. Sometimes hoarseness in the voice may appear. To relieve swelling, it is necessary to stop the allergen from affecting the human body and take antihistamines.

Allergic pulmonary edema can occur as a result of exposure to various allergens, but most often this symptom is caused by insect bites. The edema begins quite suddenly, within a few minutes of exposure to the antigen. At first, itching of the skin of the face, hands and head appears, then the person begins to feel heaviness and tightness in the chest. Shortness of breath appears. Allergic pulmonary edema can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. For treatment, first of all, it is necessary to neutralize the effect of the allergen on the body and consult a doctor. Self-medication of allergic pulmonary edema is excluded!

Allergic bronchial edema may also occur if the allergen acts directly on them. Additional symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and constant wheezing. As with pulmonary edema, self-medication is out of the question in this case, so if the first symptoms of allergic bronchial edema appear, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Allergic swelling of the hands may also occur due to the effect of an allergen on the body. As a rule, such a symptom is one of the forms of Quincke's edema, as well as allergic swelling of the penis in men. It is accompanied by the appearance of red spots and itching. It requires immediate neutralization of the effect of the allergen.

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Diagnosis of allergic edema

Diagnosis of allergic edema is carried out directly by the attending physician based on blood tests and tests of the body's reaction to allergens. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist to examine the nature and character of allergic edema, as well as prescribe appropriate treatment.

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Treatment of allergic edema

In order to relieve allergic edema, you should stop the allergen from affecting the human body and reduce contact with the allergen to a minimum. In the future, stopping contact with the allergen will be a good prevention of both the occurrence of allergic edema and allergic diseases in general. Treatment of allergic edema of various types and degrees of complexity involves strict adherence to the regimen of taking antihistamines or homeopathic drugs prescribed by the doctor, as well as sensitization of the body to the effects of the allergen. Follow the recommendations of the attending specialist and allergic edema will not cause you much discomfort, but will pass without much difficulty and complications. Take care of yourself and do prevention of allergic diseases.