Angioedema is a type of swelling. While most people are familiar with surface-swelling like hives, angioedema occurs in the deeper layers of the skin. It typically affects the subcutaneous and submucosal tissue, resulting in a puffy and red appearance. The swelling most often occurs around the eyes and lips, but angioedema can affect the hands, feet and throat. Get expert help for angioedema from allergies: click here now!
The most common cause of deep-layer swelling is allergies. When people experience angioedema from allergies, it's usually a reaction from histamines released into the bloodstream by the immune system. In some cases, the blood vessels in affected areas can leak.
There are many potential allergy and non-allergy-related causes of angioedema. Here are the most common culprits.
Animal Dander
Those who are sensitive to pet dander may get angioedema from allergies. In this case, the immune system views shed skin cells from cats, dogs and other animals as a threat. Exposure triggers an allergic response as the immune system releases histamines.
Pollen
Pollen is another common allergen. Estimates say that over 81 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies. Like pet dander, pollen from trees and plants triggers an unwanted immune system response. The release of histamines is what results in angioedema.
Insect Bites
Seemingly benign bites from mosquitoes, spiders, fleas and other insects can cause angioedema. Swelling can be acute but usually occurs one to two hours after the initial bite.
Negative Reactions to Medications
Many medications could cause angioedema. Individuals with known drug allergens have a higher risk of swelling, but anyone can experience issues. The most common drug categories to cause angioedema include ACE inhibitors, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
Environmental Exposure
Swelling can also occur when exposed to certain environmental conditions. The most common is intense sunlight. Even covered skin can begin to swell shortly after exposure. Some people will also experience angioedema after exposure to extreme heat, harsh cold and water.
Autoimmune Diseases
Finally, angioedema can be a byproduct of autoimmune disorders. It can be a common issue for patients with conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Lupus.
Read a similar article about shots for cat allergies here at this page.