Acquired Angioedema: Symptoms and Care
Acquired angioedema is a rare condition that causes sudden swelling beneath the skin, typically in the face, hands, and feet. This swelling occurs due to a dysfunction in the immune system, leading to an overactive response that triggers inflammation. The primary impact of acquired angioedema is the discomfort and potential disfigurement caused by the swelling, which can affect a person's appearance and self confidence. Additionally, the swelling can sometimes interfere with normal bodily functions, such as breathing or swallowing, posing potential health risks.
What are the Symptoms of Acquired Angioedema?
Acquired Angioedema symptoms typically involve swelling in various parts of the body.
- Swelling of the skin
- Swelling of the mucous membranes
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Acquired Angioedema
Acquired angioedema is primarily caused by the overactivation of certain components in the immune system, leading to swelling in various parts of the body. Causes of Acquired Angioedema:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Medications
- Lymphoproliferative disorders
- Solid tumors
- Infections
- Allergic reactions
- Underlying medical conditions
Types of Acquired Angioedema
Acquired angioedema can be categorized into different forms based on their underlying causes and specific triggers.
- DrugInduced Angioedema: Caused by a reaction to certain medications, leading to swelling in the deeper layers of the skin.
- Idiopathic Angioedema: Occurs without an identifiable cause, resulting in sudden swelling typically in the face, lips, or throat.
- AngiotensinConverting Enzyme (ACE) InhibitorInduced Angioedema: Linked to the use of medications that affect blood pressure regulation, causing swelling, especially in the face and throat.
- Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Type 1 and Type Inherited condition resulting in recurrent episodes of swelling in various body parts due to a deficiency or dysfunction of the C1 inhibitor protein.
- Acquired C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency: Occurs due to the development of antibodies against C1 inhibitor protein, leading to episodes of angioedema.
Risk Factors
Acquired angioedema risk factors include underlying conditions like autoimmune diseases or certain types of cancer, as well as medications like ACE inhibitors or oral contraceptives.
Risk Factors for Acquired Angioedema:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Lymphoproliferative diseases
- Certain medications
- Infections
- Malignancies
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Book an AppointmentDiagnosis of Acquired Angioedema
Acquired angioedema is typically diagnosed by healthcare providers through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specific laboratory tests.
- Blood tests
- Skin prick test
- Allergy testing
- Complement testing
Treatment for Acquired Angioedema
Acquired angioedema is typically managed by addressing the underlying cause and providing symptomatic relief to reduce swelling and prevent future attacks.
Antihistamines:
- Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve symptoms of Acquired Angioedema by blocking the effects of histamine, which is involved in allergic reactions and swelling.
Corticosteroids:
- Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and swelling in Acquired Angioedema by suppressing the immune system's response that leads to the swelling.
Ecallantide (Kalbitor):
- Ecallantide is a medication that can be used to treat Acquired Angioedema attacks by inhibiting a protein involved in the inflammatory response that causes swelling.
Icatibant (Firazyr):
- Icatibant is a medication that works by blocking the effects of a specific chemical involved in the body's inflammatory response, thereby reducing swelling in Acquired Angioedema.
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP):
- In some cases of Acquired Angioedema, infusion of fresh frozen plasma may be used to replace deficient proteins in the blood that are responsible for regulating inflammation and preventing swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acquired angioedema?
Acquired angioedema is a rare condition characterized by sudden swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes, often affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, and genitalia.
What causes acquired angioedema?
Acquired angioedema is usually caused by an underlying medical condition such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications that affect the immune system.
What are the symptoms of acquired angioedema?
Symptoms of acquired angioedema include sudden and severe swelling, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and potentially life threatening throat swelling that requires immediate medical attention.
How is acquired angioedema diagnosed?
Diagnosis of acquired angioedema involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood tests to check for levels of specific proteins in the blood, and sometimes genetic testing to rule out hereditary forms of angioedema.
What treatment options are available for acquired angioedema?
Treatment for acquired angioedema typically involves managing underlying medical conditions, avoiding triggers, and using medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or medications that help regulate the immune system.
