Symptoms of Quincke's edema
The development of Quincke's edema is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- increasing swelling of the face, swelling of the lips and tongue, rapid swelling of the eyelids, itching in these places. It is quite easy to determine serious swelling - the face increases significantly in size, the eyes become numb, and become like slits. The most dangerous thing is if the swelling moves into the oral cavity, first the tongue swells, then the swelling moves to the larynx and trachea, and a sensation of a foreign object appears in the throat. As a result, breathing becomes difficult, leading to bronchospasm. Since swelling leads to a strong narrowing of the lumen of the throat, in severe cases an attack of suffocation occurs.
Quincke's edema on the lips
- swelling of the hands.
- swelling of the joints of the hands and feet. In some cases, Quincke's edema also affects joint tissues - pain appears in the joints of the arms and legs, and there is limited mobility and swelling.
- swelling of the digestive organs.
With swelling of the digestive organs, the main symptoms of edema include pain in the abdomen, difficulty defecating and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. - swelling of the genitourinary system area.
Swelling of the mucous membranes of the urogenital system can lead to difficulty urinating, and even to acute urinary retention. - severe dizziness, pale skin, weakness, nausea and vomiting.
Due to the swelling of the fiber, the surface of the tissues becomes shiny and their structure is dense, the skin color can be either red or pale. From the photo you can easily identify patients with Quincke's edema. But it is not the external, but the internal swelling that spreads to the throat that is especially dangerous. Narrowing of the airways leads to oxygen starvation and suffocation.
If you ignore the symptoms, the consequences for the body can be unpredictable, and it is important to understand what disease has affected the throat. If Quincke's edema is caused by an allergen dangerous to the body, then the pathology develops at lightning speed.
If such symptoms are recorded, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance; such a condition can result in anaphylactic shock followed by death. Particular attention should be paid to children when such symptoms develop.
Quincke's edema on the face
Causes of Quincke's edema
The most common causes of angioedema include several groups of allergens.
Medications
The most allergenic medications for people are:
- Antibiotics (Amoxiclav, etc.);
- Hormonal drugs – Progesterone, Oxytocin, Insulin, etc.;
- Contrast agents used during diagnostic procedures. Quincke's edema can develop under the influence of iodine-containing substances, mixtures with barium;
- Serums – anti-diphtheria, anti-tetanus, anti-rabies serums;
- Vaccines – anti-tuberculosis, anti-hepatitis, anti-influenza;
- Enzymes – Streptokinase, Chymotrypsin, Pepsin;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Analgin, Ibuprofen, Aspirin;
- Vitamins: vitamin E, C, D, as well as folic acid;
- Alcohol, iodine, lactose.
Some medications can cause severe allergies in a matter of seconds. For example, lidocaine can provoke angioedema and anaphylactic shock, which, if first aid is not provided in a timely manner, can lead to death.
Why is this happening? The answer is simple - the allergen drug is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, thus entering the blood directly. Other irritants (food, dust, pollen) overcome a number of barriers before penetrating into the blood, as a result of which their concentration and effect are reduced.
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To find out whether there is an allergy to a particular drug, you must first administer it in a minimal dose. If the skin turns red at the injection site, itching and swelling appear, then it is worth changing the medicine, since in large doses the consequences can be life-threatening. Allergies to medications are described in more detail in our article at the link.
Food
Food products that can cause allergic edema of the Quincke type:
- Fruits - citrus fruits, bananas, watermelon, grapes, kiwi, as well as juices from these fruits;
- Dairy products and whole milk, beef, eggs, butter. These products contain a protein that the human immune system perceives as foreign;
- Fish and seafood. Quincke's edema often occurs when eating herring, shrimp, crabs, mackerel, tuna, and crayfish;
- Cereal porridges: buckwheat, wheat, semolina;
- Vegetables - cabbage, garlic, onions, carrots and other vegetables with orange and red coloring;
- Food additives – preservatives, flavorings, dyes;
- Nuts, ginger, coffee, seeds, honey, yeast, sugar and sweets. Pathological reactions are also possible when drinking alcoholic beverages.
Plants
- Field herbs - wheatgrass, wormwood, ragweed, quinoa, dandelions;
- Coniferous trees - fir, pine, spruce, larch;
- Flowers – daisy, rose, lily, carnation, orchid;
- Deciduous trees - birch, poplar, hazel, maple, ash;
- Cultivated plant varieties: mustard, clover, sage, sunflower, hops, castor beans.
Insects and animals
Quincke's edema develops:
- For bites from hornets, bees, wasps, bumblebees, gadflies, midges, mosquitoes, ants;
- For bites from flies, bedbugs, ticks, cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas;
- In contact with animals. Saliva allergens are concentrated on the hair of dogs, rabbits, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs and on the feathers of ducks, parrots, chickens, and geese. It is especially dangerous when there is a high concentration of allergens.
Household chemicals and beauty products
- Products used in medicine: gloves, catheters, medical mask, antiseptics, patches, Botox, implants;
- Household chemicals: bleach, washing powder, toothpaste;
- Beauty products: perfumes, hair and eyebrow dye, deodorant, gel polish.
Quincke's edema can also occur due to odors, synthetic materials, and even allergies to the sun.
Treatment
The doctor determines how to relieve allergic swelling of the nose. Depending on the severity of swelling of the nasal passages, caused by allergic swelling of the nose, treatment involves the use of certain groups of medications and techniques.
Vasoconstrictor drops
The use of vasoconstrictor medications helps in a short time to reduce nasal swelling and remove accumulated mucus from the nasal passages. The most popular and effective drops of this group are Xylometazoline.
Important: vasoconstrictor drops can only be used for a strictly defined time. Otherwise, the risk of relapse of allergic edema in age is severalfold.
Antihistamines
Nasal congestion is the main symptom of allergies, which can be quickly relieved by treatment with antihistamines. Since histamine is the cause of allergies, it is the drugs of this group that relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and make breathing easier.
Antihistamines are most often sold in tablet form. The most popular of them are: Suprastin, Cetrin, Zodak, Claritin.
Hormones
Hormonal drugs are used only in cases where it is impossible to quickly relieve allergic swelling of the nose in any other way. Most often, the doctor prescribes: Nazarel, Nasonex, Flixonase.
Immunotherapy
This is a special technique that allows you to reduce nasal swelling from allergies by introducing minimal doses of the allergen. The procedure is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Immunotherapy is a set of procedures during which the dose of an irritant substance is gradually increased. The body gets used to the stimulus and responds less and less to it. At the same time, nasal swelling from allergies decreases.
Diet
Following a certain diet will quickly help eliminate allergic swelling of the nose. You can reduce the level of creatine in the blood and reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa by eliminating the following foods from the menu:
- smoked meat;
- spicy, pungent foods;
- sausage and frankfurters;
- some types of wines.
The exact product that causes an allergy can only be determined using the results of a special allergy test.
Quincke's edema in children
The symptoms of allergies in children are similar to the manifestations of pathology in adults. However, in childhood, allergic reactions are much more difficult to tolerate.
In this case, symptoms can be both local and general, which is especially typical for young children.
The main symptoms of Quincke's edema in children:
- Swelling of the face, swelling of the lips and eyes, neck and tongue;
- Difficulty swallowing and breathing, bronchospasm, fainting;
- Nasal congestion negatively affects general well-being, impairs appetite and sleep;
- Swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx can quickly lead to suffocation, since the lumen of the throat in children is too small;
- The child has poor spatial orientation.
If you notice these symptoms, you should call an ambulance as quickly as possible.
A relationship was revealed between the amount of allergen that entered the child’s body and the intensity of the development of the pathology. That is, the more a child consumes an allergenic product, the higher his risk of developing severe symptoms of the disease.
Help with Quincke's edema
Quincke's edema poses a threat to human health and can lead to death from suffocation. Therefore, first aid for Quincke's edema should be provided immediately. First of all, it is necessary to call an ambulance, but emergency care must be provided to the patient even before the ambulance arrives.
Algorithm of actions for Quincke's edema:
- It is necessary to interrupt contact with the allergen. If the illness is caused by a food allergy, then it is best to remove the product from the stomach by inducing vomiting;
- Remove food debris from the mouth. If the person is conscious, make him thoroughly rinse his mouth and throat with plenty of cool water;
- Stop further consumption of any products;
- Place the patient on a flat surface, unfasten tight clothing, lift and turn the head to the side. If there are dentures in the mouth, they must be removed;
- Calm the person;
- Give activated carbon to drink (one tablet per 10 kg of person’s weight), dissolved in warm water;
- Give antihistamines for Quincke's edema - a tablet of Suprastin, Tavegil or Diphenhydramine (for children the dosage is reduced by 1-2 times). These medications begin to act within 15-30 minutes, reducing the manifestations of the pathology and preventing its further development. It’s even better if, instead of a tablet form, you have an injection one at hand - an injection of Suprastin or Diphenhydramine can be placed in the buttock. These medications stop the release of histamine and prevent allergies from developing further;
- If swelling increases, give diuretics;
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- If swelling begins after an injection or after an insect bite, a pressure bandage should be applied to the area above the impact. When a bee stings, the sting is removed from the wound as soon as possible, since it contains poison. This should be done carefully, since when pressure is applied, additional portions of poison penetrate into the wound. If the injection is made in the buttock, then ice or a cold compress is applied to this place. A decrease in temperature leads to a narrowing of blood vessels, and thus the spread of the allergen throughout the body slows down. Then you should wash the wound with soap and treat it with an antiseptic, and apply ointment against insect bites to relieve pain.
- With the development of anaphylactic shock and a sharp decrease in blood pressure, it is necessary to administer 1 ml of a solution of Adrenaline or Prednisolone in an amount of 50-100 mg.
If an allergy has already been identified earlier, then it is advisable to always carry a syringe pen containing Epinephrine with you. Its use will allow you to help yourself in emergency situations.Particular care should be taken when using medications for pregnant women and young children. Do not give tablets and water if laryngeal swelling occurs, as there is a risk of choking.
After providing first aid, the patient should be laid down so that his legs are slightly higher than his head. You can improve your well-being by providing fresh air and opening windows and doors.
Further treatment is selected based on the patient’s condition and well-being.
How to relieve facial swelling due to allergies - folk remedy
Any allergic reaction is accompanied by redness of the mucous membranes, the appearance of a skin rash, itching and swelling of the soft tissues. Allergies often manifest as swelling of the face, since swelling develops in soft tissues - eyelids, lips and cheeks. Allergic swelling of the face disappears within half an hour after the influence of the allergen is eliminated. Before taking measures to eliminate it, it is necessary to find out the causes of the allergy.
Allergies, manifested by rapid swelling of the face, are provoked by various factors, including:
- Food;
- pharmacological drugs;
- household chemicals;
- facial cosmetics;
- color of allergenic plants;
- animal hair;
- bites of blood-sucking insects, snakes.
Allergy symptoms include swelling of the skin of the eyelids, cheeks and lips. There is also itching in the nose and eyes, which is accompanied by tearing and redness of the proteins.
Allergic swelling of the face and other symptoms of an allergic reaction should never be ignored, especially when it comes to the health of the child. Lack of first aid for allergies increases the risk of angioedema - a dangerous condition manifested by swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, which leads to difficulty breathing and suffocation.
With angioedema, which manifests itself as dense puffiness of the face, severe swelling of the eyelids and lips, the patient needs immediate medical attention.
With allergies, the face swells when exposed to a strong allergen; antihistamines will help eliminate it:
The drugs are taken in accordance with the instructions. Antihistamine ointments are used if redness and itching occur on the skin. Potent hormonal antihistamines are taken only after consultation with a doctor.
To prevent the reaction from happening again, it is necessary to eliminate exposure to possible allergens: food, medications, etc.
To speed up the removal of allergens from the body and relieve swelling, you need to take a sorbent at home: Activated carbon or Enterosgel.
Traditional methods of treating facial swelling of an allergic nature are aimed at removing excess fluid from the body, reducing the area of swelling and cleansing the body of the allergen. Recipes can be used for both adults and children.
To quickly cope with swelling on the face, you can make effective lotions and compresses according to the following recipes:
Folk remedy | Recipe | Application |
Cucumber | Take a fresh cucumber and cut it into thin slices | Cover the entire facial skin with slices for 10-15 minutes. This method of eliminating edema is suitable for both adults and children |
Green tea | You need to brew a glass of strong green tea. When the drink has cooled, they need to soak the cotton pads | A green tea compress applied to the area around the eyes for 20 minutes will help cope with severe swelling of the eyelids. |
Milk | Gauze is soaked in milk at room temperature | The compress is applied to the face for 15 minutes. |
Herbal collection |
| Soak several cotton pads in the herbal infusion and wipe the skin with them. |
Flax seeds |
| Soak a gauze compress with the resulting liquid and apply it to the skin for 15 minutes. |
Birch tar with fat |
| The ointment is applied to areas of the face where severe swelling and rash have appeared. |
If your face is swollen, the internal use of infusions of medicinal plants that have a detoxifying effect will help speed up the treatment of allergies.
Folk remedy | Recipe | Application |
Infusion of bear ears |
| Drink 1 tbsp. l.four times a day before meals |
Infusion of dandelion and burdock roots |
| Drink half a glass twice a day before meals |
To avoid allergies, it is necessary to limit exposure to triggering factors as much as possible. To find out which allergens affect the body, you need to undergo appropriate medical tests.
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Allergies develop in response to the penetration of foreign proteins into the body. Allergens in people with hypersensitivity cause rhinitis, joint pain, bronchospasm, rashes, itching and swelling on the body. Allergic swelling of the face, arms, and legs often develops.
There are a great variety of allergens, so it is extremely difficult to determine the cause of facial swelling. In some cases this cannot be done at all. An allergic reaction is caused by:
- animal hair;
- certain foods;
- plant pollen;
- dust;
- insect bites;
- household chemicals;
- cosmetics.
With allergies, facial swelling occurs in patients with a genetic predisposition. It can be caused by unfavorable climatic conditions, unfavorable environment, and stress.
Sometimes swelling on the face is the first symptom of the most severe form of pathology. Only a doctor can understand the causes and create an effective treatment regimen. Self-medication for allergic reactions accompanied by swelling is extremely dangerous. They can develop into angioedema, a life-threatening condition that can lead to suffocation, anaphylactic shock and death.
There are several types of swelling on the face, which are not prone to total spread. They are localized in a certain segment: on the cheek, eyelids, lips. The location of the swelling is influenced by the reasons for its occurrence. Swellings appear in the following areas:
- On the upper eyelids. Their cause is a certain type of food: berries, citrus fruits, nuts.
- On the upper lip. Swelling occurs after insect bites, taking medications, or due to cold. The causes of lip swelling are often foods, medications, pollen, cosmetics and other allergens .
- In the nasopharynx. The nasopharynx swells during an allergic reaction to dust, fur, or pollen.
The mechanism for the development of swelling is the same for any reason. When a foreign protein penetrates into the body, a response begins and antibodies are intensively produced. At the site of entry of the allergic agent, prostaglandins and histamines are synthesized - substances that dilate capillaries. Fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the interstitial space. At the site of its accumulation, redness, swelling and inflammation occur.
In some situations, swelling develops immediately, in others - with a delay. Some time passes from the action of the allergic agent to the appearance of swelling. First, the tongue, larynx, and lips usually swell. The swelling gradually subsides or begins to grow, affecting the legs, arms, genitals and other parts of the body.
- rash;
- itching;
- rhinitis;
- redness or paleness of the skin;
- spasms in the larynx.
Nasal congestion is another telltale sign of an allergic reaction. Some people have a reduced or lost sense of smell.
You can distinguish allergic edema from swelling of another origin by a characteristic feature: if you press on the skin with your finger, there will be no dent left on it.
The main treatment for swelling on the face is prescribed by the doctor. But sometimes, when allergies develop, patients need emergency first aid. It is rendered as follows:
- Place a cold compress on the swelling.
- Wash the skin with clean water.
- Make lotions with boric acid. To do this, dissolve 1 teaspoon of powder in 200 ml of water. Soak a napkin in the solution and apply it to the swelling.
- They give an antihistamine.
In case of allergic edema it is prohibited:
- use alcohol-containing products;
- wash the skin with soap, gels, and foam cleansers;
- scratch the itchy spot;
- cover up rashes with cosmetics.
To quickly cure an allergy, it is necessary to identify its causative agent and suppress its effect on the body. It is impossible to do this on your own. The allergen is determined by conducting special tests.
A patient in whom it has been possible to differentiate the allergic agent is treated with the method of hyposensitization . The patient is injected with tiny doses of a substance that provokes an allergy. The body gradually gets used to the irritating compound. As a result, the protective reaction when an unwanted substance enters the body ceases to develop.
If the patient does not have the opportunity to be treated using this method, he is prescribed antihistamines. In severe cases, the patient is treated with glucocorticoids.
In case of gastrointestinal disorder, the patient is sent for consultation to a gastroenterologist. He prescribes medications that improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Allergic edema caused by food can be relieved by adjusting the diet. All foods that give pathological reactions are removed from the menu.
Folk remedies help relieve swelling due to allergies. Herbs reduce swelling and block histamine synthesis. But they are used after consultation with the doctor. If left uncontrolled, allergies can cause serious complications.
The following remedies help remove swelling from the face:
- For swelling, lotions should be made from steamed flaxseed. Take 1 tablespoon of seeds, grind them into powder, pour into ½ cup of hot water, and allow to swell. The cooled pulp is placed in a gauze napkin and secured to the swelling. Leave for 15 minutes. The procedure is performed for an hour, periodically applying fresh lotion.
- Tar ointment is a good home remedy for allergic rashes. Mix 100 g of pork fat with 2 tablespoons of tar and 3 g of sulfur. In the evening, the ointment is applied to a swollen cheek or other problem area.
- Bear ear extract quickly removes excess fluid from the interstitial space . Place 1 teaspoon of the plant in 250 ml of boiling water. After cooling, the extract is filtered. Take 1 tablespoon of the medicine on an empty stomach. Eat after 20 minutes. The swelling subsides on days 5-7 of treatment.
- Puffiness on the eyelids is relieved using fresh cucumber. Slices of the vegetable are applied to swollen eyelids for 15-20 minutes.
- Pears effectively remove excess fluid from the body. You should eat 5-7 fresh fruits daily. In winter, compote made from dry pears is used for treatment. They drink it instead of tea. A mild natural remedy is used to treat allergic edema in children and adults.
- If you have a negative reaction to ultraviolet radiation (sun), make a mask from egg white. This is an excellent folk way to combat swelling on the face. Take an egg, separate the white, and beat it into a foam. Apply the prepared product to problem areas several times throughout the day. The dried mask is washed off and a rich cream is rubbed into the skin.
- Diuretic herbal extracts are used to relieve swelling. They remove excess fluid and return the face to its previous appearance. Boil 250 ml of water, add 1 teaspoon of thyme to it. The extract is filtered after cooling. Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach 3 times a day. Treatment lasts 7 days.
- Asparagus quickly eliminates puffiness on the face. Salads, appetizers and other dishes are prepared with it. A cocktail made from apples, asparagus and carrots effectively fights swelling. Juice is squeezed out of the products. Mix the drinks as follows: combine 50 ml of carrot and asparagus juice. Add 100 ml of apple juice to the mixture. Take the medicine once a day in the morning, before breakfast.
- A mixture of dandelion and horsetail is an effective herbal mixture for the treatment of edema . The herb is mixed in equal quantities. Place 1 tablespoon of the mixture in 1 liter of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. The cooled extract is filtered. Drink 200 ml 3-5 times a day. The medicine has a diuretic and antihistamine effect.
If the patient knows that his face may periodically swell, he must carefully use cosmetics, control his diet, and exclude undesirable foods from it. You should follow a drinking regime (drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily), eat a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits.
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If you are faced with allergic swelling of the face, do not ignore it. The causes may be medications, food, cosmetics, pollen, dust. If you notice swelling on your lips, eyelids or itching, take Tavegil, Suprastin or Diazolin. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor immediately.
There are two types of edema: local reaction to an allergen and angioedema. In the first case, you will experience slight swelling, itching or rash. This condition can be treated at home. In the second case, there is severe swelling of the face, tongue, throat, and upper eyelids. This is a serious condition in which you need to call a doctor immediately.
To provide first aid, eliminate the allergen, take a horizontal position, take antihistamines, open access to fresh air, and apply a cold compress. If the allergy is caused by food or medications taken orally, do a rinse. If this does not help, call for medical help.
It is forbidden to wash your face with soap, scratch yourself, wipe your skin with alcohol, or apply makeup.
Facial swelling lasts up to 6 weeks if you do not take any measures. Treatment will reduce this period to a week.
Below you will learn more about how this pathology occurs in children, adults, and pregnant women. You will find more detailed ways to combat the problem with medications and folk remedies.
If your face is swollen due to allergies, then this is a clear signal of pathological processes occurring in the body. Edema is the result of an immediate reaction to an allergen, in which fluid accumulates in the tissues, disrupts water metabolism and increases the permeability of the vascular walls.
There are several reasons for this phenomenon, most often it is an allergy to food, medications, cosmetics or pollen. The first signs can easily be confused with causes of facial swelling such as cardiovascular, renal, and liver problems.
But, unlike such edema, with allergies the entire face is affected, the tongue swells, and veins begin to protrude.
Why does my face swell? The main provoking factors are:
- local anesthetics, antibiotics (this reaction is most often observed during dental treatment);
- penicillin, cephalosporins;
- some vaccines and serums used for specific therapy (anti-snake serums, medications for the treatment of acute poisoning, infections, DTP vaccine);
- bites of spiders, insects (most often the reaction is observed with the bites of bees, wasps);
- household chemicals, especially volatile ones, washing powders;
- food products (the list is quite large, but most often these are bee products, nuts, almost all seafood, chicken protein);
- sudden change in climate zone;
- plant pollen, flowering period, poplar fluff;
- dust mites, pets (this applies not only to dogs and cats, but also to birds);
- incorrectly selected cosmetics, low quality cosmetics.
Swelling of the face due to allergies can develop at any age, but usually a similar phenomenon is observed in children and adolescents. The most common allergens are food, medications, fluff and animal hair. In infants, a reaction may develop due to the use of artificial baby food.
At the moment, there are more than 300 thousand substances to which a person can have an allergic reaction, so it is almost impossible to determine the one to which you have allergic swelling of the face.
Therefore, when you notice the first signs of an allergy: swelling of the lips or eyelids, changes in skin color, itching, take one of the antihistamines such as tavegil, suprastin, diazolin and wait for a while. If after a few hours the swelling does not subside, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Your life may depend on the promptness of contacting a doctor, since in some cases a complication of allergic manifestations is Quincke's edema.
Quincke's edema is a diffuse or limited swelling of the subcutaneous fatty tissue and mucous membranes, developing suddenly and quickly. Young women and children are more susceptible to it.
Its appearance is based on the body’s reaction to any allergen, which causes local dilation of veins and capillaries, as well as an increase in vascular permeability.
Note! Those people who have developed an allergy accompanied by angioedema at least once in their life are at risk of its reoccurrence. Therefore, it is vital for them to avoid any contact with the allergen and have with them a card indicating the substance - the allergen.
Among the main reasons for the occurrence of such edema may be the consumption of specific foods, as well as certain medications. The main signs of such edema are swelling of the eyelids, lips, mucous membranes of the mouth, respiratory tract, etc.
Most often, it occurs painlessly, but quickly, while tissue tension is noted in the area of edema. For example, if you press on a damaged area of skin with your finger, no external changes will occur.
As a rule, such swelling forms on the lower lip, tongue, larynx, cheeks and can lead to difficulty breathing - suffocation.
Remember that self-medication under such circumstances is fraught with dangerous consequences, including death, so if you detect such obvious allergic swelling of the face that does not disappear on its own over time, be sure to consult a doctor! Don't hesitate, because your life is in your hands!
The pathology is extremely dangerous when edema of the laryngeal mucosa develops, since the tissues “swell” so much that they can seriously complicate breathing.
This condition poses a real threat to the life of children, in whom the small lumen of the larynx is blocked in almost minutes, and subsequent suffocation kills the child.
- In younger children (under 2 years of age), the pathology occurs rarely - in only 2% of case histories. But infants can also develop Quincke's edema. Pediatricians are increasingly seeing a combination of swelling and urticaria (an allergic reaction with red, itchy rashes and blisters).
- For women expecting a baby, angioedema can also cause serious complications due to swelling and dysfunction of organs, possible oxygen deficiency caused by swelling of the airways, which has a harmful effect on the health of the fetus, as well as the danger of using many medications, which makes it difficult providing emergency care and treatment of illness.
- At 13–17 years of age, the disease is often more severe, which pediatricians associate with hormonal changes caused by puberty in adolescents.
- This type of disease is rarely observed in older people.
Physiology changes during pregnancy and a woman's susceptibility to allergens increases many times, and swelling of tissues and organs is not uncommon. The likelihood of angioedema especially increases in the 2nd half of pregnancy.
Moreover, allergies suddenly arise even to those foods, medications and substances that did not give a pathological reaction before pregnancy.
In pregnant women, Quincke's edema is often accompanied by symptoms of giant urticaria, expressed by swelling of the face, the appearance of itchy red blisters, stomach cramps, a sharp rise in blood pressure, shortness of breath, palpitations and the presence of protein in the urine.
Such pathological phenomena can significantly affect the development of a fetus suffering from oxygen deficiency, the course of pregnancy, the health and even the life of the mother. Moreover, many pharmacological drugs used in the standard treatment regimen for angioedema are contraindicated at this time.
Therefore, even the slightest signs of incipient swelling should be a reason to immediately call an ambulance service.
There are about 300 thousand substances that can be allergens and cause swelling in dangerous forms. Typical areas of swelling are the tongue, lower lip, larynx, and cheeks. They increase significantly in size, leading to suffocation.
Allergic swelling of the face should be treated by a doctor. Self-medication can worsen symptoms.
It is necessary to provide emergency treatment, as minutes count in such situations. You should not self-medicate, as delay can be fatal. Treatment must be immediate and qualified - only this will save lives.
Typically the symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- the patient's eyelids and lips have multiple swellings;
- skin color changes;
- severe itching along with swelling of the affected areas.
- rash in the form of hives.
Often, the patient does not experience pain when edema develops, and the symptoms of the pathological condition themselves develop very quickly. The tissues in the area where excess fluid accumulates are so tense that they don’t even bend when pressed.
To treat these manifestations, an antihistamine is administered to relieve allergic swelling and the swollen areas are monitored. If there is no therapeutic effect, you should immediately call a doctor. The introduction of a stronger drug with its help will quickly eliminate the symptoms of facial edema.
Swelling can occur not only due to allergies, but also due to heart disease and kidney disease, which also needs to be taken into account.
An allergic reaction develops against the background of the following 6 pathogenetic factors:
- Hydrodynamic - edema is associated with intercapillary moisture exchange. If the pressure in the capillaries is higher than in the tissues, fluid from the vessels will enter the tissue. In the venous part, this process is reversed.
- Membrane - pathogenetic factor is directly related to the increased permeability of vascular and tissue membranes. If permeability is high, fluid circulation is facilitated. Increased permeability is associated with histamine, characteristic of allergies.
- Osmotic - swelling of the face due to allergies is explained by the accumulation of electrolytes between the tissues.
- Oncotic - pressure in tissues increases. Fluid begins to accumulate in the circulatory system. Against the background of pathogenesis, the level of proteins in the blood decreases.
- Lymphatic - allergic swelling of the face is associated with stagnation of lymph.
- Low blood pressure - observed with inflammation and disorders associated with damage to toxins. With such phenomena, the tissue becomes soft and loose. She is unable to retain liquid.
In its pure form, such pathogenesis of throat swelling due to allergies is rarely observed. Several factors are involved in the edematous process. To identify them, you will need the help of a doctor. The condition in question can occur at any time of the day. In this case, the type of allergy does not play any role.
- from the cause of swelling;
- from the presence of a concomitant disease;
- depending on the type of allergen.
Swelling of the face, nose, and lips is more common. Allergies can affect the functioning of the entire body.
The two types of swelling of the face and eyes carry different degrees of danger and require different responses.
A local reaction caused by skin contact with an allergen is characterized by:
- skin disorders in the form of spots, rashes with itching and slight swelling;
- the place of direct contact has more pronounced manifestations;
- The general condition of the body is stable, the only concern is skin rashes.
You can survive this scourge at home using folk remedies and sorbents. It should be noted that facial swelling in a child with allergies can be significant, even with local exposure.
Quincke's edema requires timely hospitalization and treatment in a hospital, so calling an ambulance is required.
- significant accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which is expressed in swelling of the face, mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, throat, the upper eyelids swell most severely;
- change in general condition - pallor of the skin, drop in pressure, lack of air, difficulty breathing, vascular spasms.
The condition is very serious and is not limited to skin manifestations. Sometimes, with significant contact with an allergen, urticaria turns into angioedema and also requires urgent hospitalization.
The first thing to do is to avoid contact with the allergen. After this, it is necessary to provide first aid to the victim: rinse the reddened skin with cool water and give an antiallergic tablet.
Do not wash your face with soap or use alcohol-containing liquids or cosmetics. Next, you need to seek help from a doctor.
Treatment methods are selected based on the severity of the allergic reaction. In some cases, it is possible to relieve swelling and eliminate other local manifestations using folk remedies; in other situations, it is necessary to take systemic antihistamines.
In general, treatment for allergic swelling on the face includes:
- The use of antihistamines (tablets or injections) - Suprastin, Diphenhydramine, Tavegil.
- Taking sorbents (Activated carbon, Enterosgel).
- If an infection occurs, the patient may require antibiotic therapy.
- Hormonal drugs - Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone.
- In severe cases, an injection of adrenaline.
- Local therapy, involving the use of pharmaceutical creams, gels, ointments or homemade mixtures (decoctions, infusions, etc.).
As an aid, a specialist may prescribe immunomodulators and vitamins. In some cases, patients undergo hyposensitization - this is a set of therapeutic and preventive measures that is aimed at eliminating the body's reaction to an allergen (or a combination of them).
The essence of the procedures is that the patient is given small doses of an “irritant” so that the body gradually gets used to it. As a result of this treatment, the body stops actively “defending itself”, and allergy symptoms gradually disappear.
Swelling on the face is a serious case. If you do not take any measures, it does not go away for up to 6 weeks. Only under the supervision of doctors and taking medications can this period be reduced to a week.
Normal swelling lasts no more than a couple of days. In case of complications, it does not go away for about 7 days. The reaction goes away completely if the brain is not affected. Otherwise, things are a little more complicated.
If the larynx swells, then it is worth waiting a couple of days or several weeks for the swelling to completely subside. It all depends on many factors. The minimum duration of gastric edema is a week. Only after 7 days do the pain and possibly diarrhea that occurred as a result of the reaction disappear.
After the swelling has passed, you need to conduct an examination of the gastrointestinal tract. If the urinary system is affected, puffiness due to allergies will go away in a couple of days, with proper treatment.
If you notice signs of swelling on the face, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. However, first you need to provide first aid, which will help reduce swelling.
So, how to relieve swelling on the face:
- Eliminate interaction with the allergen;
- Take antihistamines, which, by acting on blood vessels, can help relieve swelling. Suprastin, Diazolin, Diphenhydramine - fast-acting drugs;
- It is best to take a horizontal position: lie down in bed, taking the most comfortable position;
- Eliminate all sources of stress, as stress can aggravate the situation and increase swelling on the face;
- It is important to ensure access to fresh air: open the windows in the room, and also free the patient from tight, constricting clothing;
- Apply a cold compress, which helps relieve swelling and itching;
- If the cause of an allergic reaction is an allergen that has penetrated inside the body, then it is necessary to use a sorbent, rinsing and enema therapy.
If signs of allergic edema are detected, it is prohibited:
- Use soap or other cleansers;
- Scratch skin rashes;
- Wipe areas of skin with rashes or swelling with alcohol (alcohol-containing products);
- Apply decorative cosmetics (foundation, powder, blush).
During treatment, it is necessary to identify not only the allergen that caused the allergic reaction at the moment, but also other allergens that can also cause allergies. All identified allergens should be avoided by the patient to prevent swelling or rashes.
Allergic swelling can be professionally removed only in an emergency department or in a specialized center.
For this, the use of the following medications is recommended:
- sorbents for removing allergens and toxins from the body (usually Enterosgel is prescribed);
- the administration of glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone or Dexamethasone) is prescribed, which allows you to quickly suppress the pathological process;
- to reduce swelling, diuretics are prescribed (usually Mannitol, Lasix);
- To effectively combat the reaction, fast-acting and first-generation antihistamines (Tavegil, Pipolfen, Diphenhydramine) are prescribed.
After the swelling is removed, further treatment will be prescribed, which can last up to 10-14 days. This depends on the general condition of the patient.
Usually a course of Fexofenadine or Cetirizine is used; various preventive measures may be required, including avoiding contact with the allergen, for example, you should not be exposed to the sun or the street during the flowering period of plants.
Therapy is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor and includes the following steps:
- first you need to determine the type of irritant in order to completely eliminate contact with it;
- collection of tests, determination of sensitivity to a number of drugs;
- a course of vitamin therapy;
- regular examination by a supervising specialist (for particularly complex conditions, treatment is carried out only in a hospital);
- using folk recipes to support the body at home (only with the permission of a doctor).
Folk remedies help relieve swelling due to allergies. Herbs reduce swelling and block histamine synthesis. But they are used after consultation with the doctor. If left uncontrolled, allergies can cause serious complications.
The following remedies help remove swelling from the face:
- For swelling, lotions should be made from steamed flaxseed. Take 1 tablespoon of seeds, grind them into powder, pour into ½ cup of hot water, and allow to swell. The cooled pulp is placed in a gauze napkin and secured to the swelling. Leave for 15 minutes. The procedure is performed for an hour, periodically applying fresh lotion.
- Tar ointment is a good home remedy for allergic rashes. Mix 100 g of pork fat with 2 tablespoons of tar and 3 g of sulfur. In the evening, the ointment is applied to a swollen cheek or other problem area.
- Bear ear extract quickly removes excess fluid from the interstitial space. Place 1 teaspoon of the plant in 250 ml of boiling water. After cooling, the extract is filtered. Take 1 tablespoon of the medicine on an empty stomach. Eat after 20 minutes. The swelling subsides on days 5-7 of treatment.
- Puffiness on the eyelids is relieved using fresh cucumber. Slices of the vegetable are applied to swollen eyelids for 15-20 minutes.
- Pears effectively remove excess fluid from the body. You should eat 5-7 fresh fruits daily. In winter, compote made from dry pears is used for treatment. They drink it instead of tea. A mild natural remedy is used to treat allergic edema in children and adults.
- If you have a negative reaction to ultraviolet radiation (sun), make a mask from egg white. This is an excellent folk way to combat swelling on the face. Take an egg, separate the white, and beat it into a foam. Apply the prepared product to problem areas several times throughout the day. The dried mask is washed off and a rich cream is rubbed into the skin.
- Diuretic herbal extracts are used to relieve swelling. They remove excess fluid and return the face to its previous appearance. Boil 250 ml of water, add 1 teaspoon of thyme to it. The extract is filtered after cooling. Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach 3 times a day. Treatment lasts 7 days.
- Asparagus quickly eliminates puffiness on the face. Salads, appetizers and other dishes are prepared with it. A cocktail made from apples, asparagus and carrots effectively fights swelling. Juice is squeezed out of the products. Mix the drinks as follows: combine 50 ml of carrot and asparagus juice. Add 100 ml of apple juice to the mixture. Take the medicine once a day in the morning, before breakfast.
- A mixture of dandelion and horsetail is an effective herbal mixture for the treatment of swelling. The herb is mixed in equal quantities. Place 1 tablespoon of the mixture in 1 liter of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. The cooled extract is filtered. Drink 200 ml 3-5 times a day. The medicine has a diuretic and antihistamine effect.
If the patient knows that his face may periodically swell, he must carefully use cosmetics, control his diet, and exclude undesirable foods from it. You should follow a drinking regime (drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily), eat a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits.
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Diet for Quincke's edema
As a result of an allergic reaction, many toxins accumulate in the body, and while they circulate in the blood, the person will be bothered by various symptoms of the disease.
Therefore, it is so important, in addition to taking antihistamines, to follow a hypoallergenic diet, which will not harm, but will speed up recovery.
Read more about the hypoallergenic diet in our article
Antihistamines that cause angioedema
An allergic reaction may be pronounced in people suffering from other forms of allergies, with a hereditary predisposition, and also with fungal infections.
Very often, drug intolerance occurs when taking antihistamines prescribed to eliminate other forms of allergies.
It is necessary to separate drug allergies from side effects and from symptoms that occur during overdose.
Pronounced side effects in the form of angioedema require the prescription of an analogue of the drug.
If the rules for using antihistamines are violated, angioedema may develop (for example, when using Avamis, Fenistil, Telfast).
Diagnosis of allergic swelling of the nasal mucosa
A physician can diagnose the disease based on symptoms and personal and family history. And allergic swelling in a child’s nose most often develops when factors such as hereditary predisposition and exposure to certain substances coincide.
- Diagnosis begins with a personal examination by your doctor, during which he will ask if you have noticed any triggers that cause the reaction, and if it occurs in a certain place or at a certain time.
- Your doctor may examine your nose to check for nasal polyps. These are fleshy growths that grow from the lining of the nose or sinuses, small cavities inside the nose. They can be caused by inflammation resulting from allergic rhinitis.
Allergic edema is easily confirmed at the beginning of treatment. If improvement occurs after antihistamines, then the diagnosis is almost certainly confirmed.
Allergy testing
If the exact cause cannot be determined, your doctor may refer you to the hospital for testing. There are 2 main tests:
- A skin prick test is where an allergen is placed on the hand and the surface of the skin is pricked with a needle. If there is a reaction to the substance, a small itchy area will appear.
- Blood test – to check for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood.
Today, many private clinics offer diagnostics. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the methods used is low. It is also important that test results are interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional based on knowledge of symptoms and medical history.
Additional tests
In some cases, diagnostic tests may be needed to identify complications such as nasal polyps or sinusitis. For example:
- Nasal endoscopy. In this case, a thin tube with a light and a video camera at one end (endoscope) is inserted into the nose.
- Nasal respiratory flow test. A small device is placed between the mouth and nose to measure the airflow as you inhale through the nose.
- CT scan.
Symptoms in children
Children can also develop allergic rhinitis and it usually appears before the age of 10 years. If you notice that cold symptoms appear at the same time every year, you should definitely take action.
- Allergic swelling in the nose in a child develops under the influence of certain irritants. Once they are eliminated, all manifestations instantly disappear.
- In addition to rhinitis, the eyes may become red (allergic conjunctivitis), and in severe cases, asthma may develop.
- For significant seasonal allergies, limit your child's exposure to triggers. You can temporarily stop walking, wash things only with laundry soap, and do wet cleaning more often.
- It is important to prevent new allergic swelling of the nose in a child, treatment should be selected by a competent specialist. Some medications can cause side effects even in small doses. Be sure to talk to your doctor before treating your child with over-the-counter allergy medications.
Prevention
Preventive measures and recommendations that must be followed to avoid recurrence of an allergic reaction of the Quincke type:
Following a hypoallergenic diet;
Secondary prevention must also be observed; it reduces the likelihood of recurrent development of Quincke's edema:
- It is required to constantly observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- Frequent wet cleaning of premises is necessary, which will help get rid of dust, mites, and animal hair;
- Frequently ventilate rooms and use an air purifier and humidifier;
- Removing soft toys, carpets, curtains, which are dust collectors, from the living space;
- It is necessary to constantly monitor the composition and quality of food consumed;
- During the flowering period of plants to which an allergy has been identified, it is necessary to wear masks and protective glasses.
From the above we can conclude that angioedema is a very dangerous disease that requires immediate treatment, diagnosis and constant monitoring of the patient. When symptoms of the disease appear, it is very important to provide timely medical assistance, otherwise the consequences may be unpredictable.
Allergic angioedema goes away on its own within 3 days, but attacks of the disease can occur several times a month, so it is very important to be able to distinguish the first symptoms of angioedema and stop them in time.
Timely diagnosis and compliance with preventive measures will reduce the number of attacks to a minimum.
What is allergic swelling of the nasal mucosa
As already stated, this is a response. Symptoms can vary greatly - from a common runny nose to asphyxia. Swelling of the nose due to allergies develops against the background of the release of antibodies designed to block allergens. This is the main difficulty: to understand what caused it. The symptoms can easily be confused with ARVI or a cold.
Swelling of the nasal mucosa ( allergies ) can be caused by various factors, which we will discuss below. The fragile immune system of children reacts especially strongly to them. In order to provide timely assistance, it is important to know how to relieve allergic swelling of the nose. Since this pathological condition does not occur on its own, but as a response to an external stimulus, it is important to consult a doctor and conduct a full diagnosis . Swelling of the nose due to allergies leads to the fact that the vessels located in the epithelial tissue undergo significant expansion.
When the body comes into contact with an allergen, histamine is released, which is a natural chemical that protects against the foreign protein. It is this that triggers allergic swelling of the nasopharynx and its constant symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing and itching.
That is, allergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system reacting to a new protein as if it were harmful. This causes the cells to release a number of chemicals that cause swelling and excessive mucus production. The reasons remain not fully understood today, but there is reliable, repeatedly verified data.
Oversensitive immune system
If you have allergic swelling (AR) of the nose , the immune system will react to foods that are natural to other people, pollen or dust, as if they were dangerous to the body.
- If the immune system is hypersensitive, it will react to all allergens by producing antibodies to fight them. As a result, harmless poplar fluff causes allergies and swelling of the nose .
- Antibodies are special proteins in the blood that are usually produced to fight viruses and infections. Now the immune system directs them to fight pollen, dust or something from food.
- Reactions do not occur upon first contact with the allergen. The immune system must recognize and “remember” the enemy before developing countermeasures. This process is known as sensitization.
- Once you develop sensitivity, nasal swelling and runny nose due to allergies will appear the first time you come into contact with a certain protein group.
This is what causes the typical symptoms of sneezing or runny nose. They are unpleasant, but do not cause fear for the patient's life.
Common allergens
In most cases, they turn out to be the reason why allergic swelling of the nose develops. Adequate treatment becomes possible only after the causes are established. And the reaction can be provoked by:
- House dust mites. These are tiny insects that live in the dust of dead flakes of human skin. They can be found in pillows and beds. Rhinitis is not caused by dust mites themselves, but by a chemical contained in their excrement. They live indoors year-round, although their numbers tend to peak during the winter.
- Pollen and spores. Tiny pollen particles produced by trees and grasses can sometimes cause allergic swelling of a child's nose. Most trees pollinate in early to mid-spring, while grasses pollinate in late spring and early summer. Rhinitis can also be caused by spores caused by mold and mildew.
- Animals. Many people are allergic to animals such as cats and dogs. The allergic reaction is not caused by animal hair, but by the flaking of dead animal skin, urine and saliva. Some people are affected by rodents such as guinea pigs and hamsters.
Occupational allergens
Swelling of the nose and cough due to allergies are well known to people whose professional activities involve interaction with various substances that irritate the mucous membranes. It could be:
- Wood dust.
- Construction dust.
- Flour and confectionery additives.
- Latex.
- Household and industrial chemicals.
Since swelling of the nose due to allergies can be relieved only by eliminating the effect of the causing substance on the body, in this case it is recommended to change jobs or take a long vacation.