immune disorders
Angioedema
Treatment of Angioedema
Antihistamines Corticosteroids Sometimes fresh frozen plasma,ecallantide, or purified C1 inhibitor Sometimesepinephrine If the cause of angioedema is obvious, people should avoid it if possible. If the cause is an insect sting, doctors may prescribe a self-injector ofepinephrinethat people can use if an insect stings them again. If the cause of angioedema is not obvious, all nonessential drugs should be stopped until symptoms resolve. taking antihistamines partially relieves the itching and reduces the swelling. Corticosteroids: Uses and Side Effects , taken by mouth, are prescribed for severe symptoms when other treatments are ineffective, and they are given for as short a time as possible. When taken by mouth for more than 3 to 4 weeks, they have many, sometimes serious side effects. Corticosteroid skin preparations (such as creams, ointments, and lotions) do not help. may not help. If the cause is an ACE inhibitor, symptoms usually resolve about 24 to 48 hours after stopping the drug. If symptoms do not resolve, are severe, or are getting worse, doctors sometimes give Plasma or certain drugs such as Foridiopathic angioedema,a high dose of an antihistamine, taken by mouth, may help. If severe angioedema results in difficulty swallowing or breathing or in collapse, prompt emergency treatment is necessary. Doctors must then open the person's airway by doing one or both of the following: Injectingepinephrineunder the skin or into a muscle (to reduce the swelling) Inserting a breathing tube through the person’s mouth or nose and into the windpipe (intubation) If the airway closes too fast, doctors may have to make a small incision in the skin over the windpipe and insert a breathing tube. People who have severe reactions should always carry a self-injecting syringe ofepinephrineto be used immediately if a reaction occurs. Antihistamine pills may also help, butepinephrineshould be injected before taking antihistamine pills. After a severe allergic reaction, such people should go to the hospital emergency department, where they can be checked and treated as needed. 