Quincke's edema is a group that combines acute manifestations of swelling of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, skin and mucous membranes.
It occurs due to the acute sensitivity of the body, provoked by various allergens, in case of contact with them. Quincke's edema develops instantly, immediately after the penetration of the allergen into the patient's body. In this case, they can be food components, insect venom, drugs, etc. Quincke's edema is a hereditary disease, if the patient has allergies in the family. In some cases, such a reaction can cause death, and therefore requires immediate treatment.
Why does Quincke's edema occur?
Like any other edema, Quincke's edema occurs due to the expansion of local vessels. With this disease, edematous phenomena extend to tissues such as skin, fatty tissue and mucous membranes. The smallest blood vessels that permeate our entire body, when an allergen enters, begin to expand rapidly. As a result of this, they retain the liquid component of the blood much worse. Excess fluid rapidly accumulating in the deep layers of the skin leads to intense swelling.
The immediate reason why these edematous manifestations develop is deviations in the immune system that disrupt its natural functioning. More specifically, this refers to that part of it that is responsible for the occurrence of an immune response to contact with irritants. As a result of certain deviations, the organism perceives harmless components of the environment as hostile agents. Their penetration leads to an increase in the blood components responsible for the development of allergic reactions: histamine and auxiliary compounds (serotonin, bradykinin, etc.). These substances have an effect on sensitive tissues, which contributes to the development of vascular expansion, skin rashes, and lowering blood pressure.
What substances cause Quincke's edema?
An allergic reaction to food can cause this disease. In this case, the most common allergens are foods such as: seafood, cocoa and chocolate, various types of nuts. Also, this disease often develops as a result of insect bites (bees, hornets, wasps, bumblebees). Closing the top three of the most common culprits of the disease are drugs (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Speaking about the substances that cause this disease, it should be noted that absolutely any compound that has entered the body can become the cause of Quincke's edema.
Symptoms of angioedema
The symptoms come on very quickly. Extremely intense swelling develops on the eyelids, lips, limbs, groin area, face, respiratory tract. The places of edema in the patient hurt extremely rarely, basically, there is a feeling of powerful tissue tension. During palpation of edematous tissues, they instantly restore their integrity after pressing. If the swelling affects the tongue (may increase several times in size) or the larynx, there is a violation of breathing, which can cause an acute lack of oxygen and subsequent death.
In case of violation of the act of breathing, such phenomena as: a hoarse voice, frequent and loud inhalations and exhalations, coughing may be present. During angioedema, the same thing happens: pain in the lower abdomen, the patient feels nausea and vomiting, increases the peristaltic activity of the intestine.
How to treat Quincke's edema?
Treatment of angioedema is in the nature of an emergency. This is due to the fact that during this development of an allergic reaction, the risk of death is significantly increased. Measures for self-treatment of Quincke's edema can not be carried out in any case. The first thing you should do when you see a patient with these symptoms is to call an ambulance team, reporting briefly and clearly about the symptoms of the disease.
First aid:
- Interrupt the interaction of the patient with the allergen. In case of food allergies, spit out food particles that remain in the oral cavity. If an allergic reaction occurs after an insect bite, immediately remove the sting and apply ice, which will help slow the spread of the poison throughout the body;
- Give the patient a comfortable position;
- Ensure maximum oxygen access by opening all available windows and doors;
- Free the neck and chest of the patient as much as possible from all restrictive clothing, jewelry, etc.;
- Try to calm the patient, helping him to cope with panic.
Preparations for the treatment of Quincke's edema
Treatment of the disease with the help of medications occurs with the use of both general, for the elimination of allergic reactions, and special means used for emergency treatment. These include:
- Antihistamines
The use of this group of drugs blocks the action of histamine. This hormone is a biologically active substance that, in allergic reactions, contributes to the development of inflammatory processes in the skin tissue and mucous membranes. Antihistamines for the treatment of angioedema include: clemastine, claritin, zyrtec, telfast, claritin, etc.
- Injectable corticosteroids
Corticosteroid drugs suppress the activity of the immune response in an allergic reaction. Their effectiveness is so high that the injectable form of these drugs can be safely called the most effective remedy for relieving allergy symptoms today. Their effectiveness in the treatment of Quincke's edema is due to a variety of antiallergic effects. They inhibit both the production of antibodies and the production of substances that stimulate an allergic reaction, in addition to having their own anti-inflammatory activity. In the emergency treatment of Quincke's edema, dexamethasone and prednisolone are often used, while their dosage can be 4-5 times higher than in the usual treatment of allergic diseases.
- Adrenaline injections
Adrenaline injections administered intramuscularly or intravenously are a means of emergency therapy. They are used to treat Quincke's edema, which extends to the larynx, in order to facilitate breathing.
- Diuretics
The use of diuretics allows you to get rid of excessive fluid accumulation that occurs as a result of allergic tissue edema. For the treatment of Quincke's edema, furosemide, dichlothiazide, etc. are used.
Treatment of Quincke's edema with folk methods
Despite the fact that there are often publications on the Internet describing folk methods of treating this disease, including the use of decoctions, infusions, compresses and other means, they are not only dubiously effective, but also potentially dangerous. With this disease, the patient should be provided with emergency assistance by qualified staff of the ambulance team!
