In dermatology, there are many diseases that manifest as skin rashes. Almost all of them are associated with allergic reactions that occur when any antigens enter the body. One of the most commonly diagnosed is urticaria. It does not pose a serious health hazard, but is accompanied not only by a rash, but also by severe itching, and in some cases even burning.
With prolonged absence of treatment, the likelihood of developing various complications increases. Very often, with a prolonged course of the disease in patients, the face greatly swells. This problem is not only aesthetic in nature, but also introduces a number of inconveniences in the daily life of a person. Many people mistakenly believe that urticaria, it is urticaria, and Quincke's edema are one and the same thing, but is it really so? Let's take a closer look at this issue and find out why people develop this pathology, how dangerous it is and what treatment methods exist today.
Classification
Let's dwell on this in more detail. To find the right treatment, the doctor needs to establish the form and type of anaphylactic shock. In medical practice, urticaria is divided into two types:
- allergenic;
- pseudo-allergenic.
In the first case, hypersensitivity of the immune system makes itself felt after eating certain types of food containing an allergen, after an insect bite or contact with pets. The second type refers to hereditary pathologies transmitted at the genetic level. If the immune system fails, then when an antigen enters the body, activator proteins begin to be produced in a large amount, which causes a response from the body, accompanied by intense and pronounced symptoms.
As for the form of urticaria, it can be acute and chronic. The first is characterized by the appearance on the skin of round red blisters that are very itchy. In some cases, they can burst, as a result of which sores remain on the body.
If the disease proceeds in a chronic form, then the symptoms appear, depending on the difference in negative factors, for example, problems with the health of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract pathology, impaired normal functioning of the liver, and many others. Clinical manifestations in this case can be both local and global.
The main reasons for the development of urticaria
This aspect needs special attention. The most common epidermal disease is urticaria. Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock are complications that develop in patients with prolonged or improper treatment. According to qualified specialists, this ailment is an allergic reaction, the etiology of which can be different. The disease can develop due to many negative factors. To quickly defeat him, it is very important to establish, as a result of which it manifested itself. For this, the patient must go to the hospital and undergo certain laboratory tests. But among the main causes of urticaria and Quincke's edema, the following can be distinguished:
- hypersensitivity of the immune system to certain foods;
- the consequences of taking certain medications;
- body response to irritants: household dust, pet hair or plant pollen;
- contact with various chemicals;
- viral, infectious and fungal infections;
- pathology of the nervous and endocrine system;
- insect bites;
- heredity;
- genetic factors;
- insolation;
- psychological or physical stress.
Edema develops due to the fact that when allergens enter the body, blood vessels dilate, resulting in increased permeability. In addition to the main reasons, there are a number of negative factors that can provoke the development of urticaria. These include a sharp hypothermia, prolonged exposure to stressful situations, and severe intoxication caused by various chemicals and toxic substances. In some cases, the pathology can also be the result of autoimmune disorders, some diseases of the internal organs and helminthic invasions.
The most dangerous is an allergic reaction to various medications, since it can lead to anaphylactic shock. Urticaria and Quincke's edema in this case have intense and pronounced symptoms. The patient's condition can quickly worsen, so he needs emergency medical care.
What are the main differences between urticaria and angioedema?
So what do you need to know about this? Many people have heard these diagnoses. But as practice shows, the majority has absolutely no idea what distinguishes Quincke's edema from demographic urticaria. Despite the fact that both pathologies are a response of the body to an allergen, nevertheless there are certain differences between them.
With urticaria, a red rash forms on the skin, which itches heavily. It appears suddenly and likewise disappears after a certain time. This is because the allergen only enters the bloodstream. In the case of angioedema, damage to the connective and soft tissues occurs. This phenomenon is very dangerous, since it creates a great threat to human health and life. If the patient is not provided with timely qualified medical care, then the person may even die.
Many people are interested in the question of whether urticaria can go into Quincke's edema? This is understandable, because both pathologies are allergic. According to doctors, in medical practice, this happens quite often. For example, if treatment with urticaria does not take too long, then it can lead to various complications, one of which is angioedema.
Clinical manifestations
Let's dwell on this in more detail. Symptoms of urticaria and Quincke's edema can be of varying intensity manifestations. As the disease develops, they merge into a single whole, as a result of which patients feel worse and the following clinical picture is observed:
- voice change;
- numbness of the tongue;
- labored breathing;
- increased anxiety;
- nervous disorders;
- panic attacks;
- the skin in the area of edema formation becomes cyanotic;
- dizziness;
- periodic fainting;
- muscle spasms;
- acute abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting;
- digestive system disorders;
- bronchospasm;
- acute urinary retention;
- problems with the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- puffiness of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, neck and facial part of the head.
If most of the above symptoms of urticaria and Quincke’s occur, emergency care should be provided to the patient immediately. Otherwise, the consequences can be most dire. If you suspect a urticaria, you must go to the hospital, since it is impossible to diagnose the disease yourself at home.
Diagnostics
What is it and what is its feature? Quincke's edema and urticaria (photos completely confirm this) are very similar in their external manifestations, as a result of which they are often confused. In this case, both diseases require a completely different approach to therapy, so before you begin to take any action, it is very important to first make the correct diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist can do this on the basis of the available symptoms and the results of certain laboratory tests.
At the first appointment, the doctor interviews the patient in order to collect detailed information and preliminary identification of the problem. To accurately confirm the allergic reaction, urticaria, Quincke edema, and other typical immunopathological processes, it is necessary to undergo the following types of studies:
- skin tests for allergens;
- general analysis of blood and urine;
- blood biochemistry;
- linked immunosorbent assay;
- bacteriological crops in the areas of localization of the lesion;
- radiography of the internal organs of the chest area;
- esophagogastroduodenoscopy;
- duodenal sounding;
- ultrasound examination of the chest organs.
Urticaria and Quincke's edema belong to the group of skin diseases that are treated by a dermatologist. But in some cases, to obtain more detailed information about any pathologists and to compile the most detailed clinical picture of the patient’s health status, you may need to consult with specialists such as a therapist, rheumatologist, allergist, and gastroenterologist. A referral to them is issued if there is a suspicion of the following pathologies:
- renal and hepatic dysfunction;
- Wagner's disease;
- malignant tumor;
- blood diseases;
- pathology of the thyroid gland.
Specialists pay much attention to the hereditary factor. In medical practice, there are cases when some allergic reactions develop in people due to various abnormalities at the genetic level. This must be taken into account when drawing up a course of therapy. Otherwise, it will be ineffective and will not bring the expected result.
The first actions in urticaria
This aspect is worth exploring in the first place. In order to reduce the risk of developing serious complications, in no case should one ignore urticaria and Quincke's edema. Emergency care includes the following:
- Call an ambulance.
- Open the window to allow fresh air to flow into the room.
- Give your body a comfortable position.
- Exclude contact of the patient with an allergen.
- Give a special alkaline drink. To prepare it, you need to dilute 1 gram of baking soda per liter of water. This tool helps to eliminate allergens from the body, which has a positive effect on well-being and relieves allergy symptoms.
- Give a few tablets of activated carbon.
- Take off his clothes that hamper the movement.
- If an allergic reaction manifests itself after an insect bite, then cold must be applied to it.
- If the victim is conscious, it is necessary to give him to drink any drug that has an antihistamine effect. For example, Suprastin is considered good. You can also make an injection of "Tavergil."
It is forbidden to take any other actions before the arrival of doctors. They can not only aggravate the state of health, but also complicate the diagnosis, as a result of which it will be much more difficult for doctors to help the patient. In some cases, even emergency hospitalization may be required.
The main methods of therapy
Let's dwell on this in more detail. Treatment of urticaria and Quincke edema depends on the cause of the development of diseases. The course of therapy is selected individually for each patient after a comprehensive examination and an accurate diagnosis. As a rule, it is based on the following medications:
- First generation antihistamines: are some of the most effective in allergic reactions, but they have a sedative effect. Among the best medicines of this group are Diazolin, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin and Tavergil.
- Second generation antihistamines: block dendrites of sensitive neurons and prevent further exposure of allergens to the body. One of the most common medicines is Ketotifen.
- Third-generation histamines: actively reduce the intensity of symptoms, thereby preventing the further development of allergies. As a rule, patients are prescribed a course of "Loratadine."
- Glucocorticosteroids: relieve swelling and inflammation, and also have anti-allergenic effects. One of the most effective medications is Prednisone.
- Vitamin complexes: to replenish the body's lack of nutrients, as well as to maintain the immune system and increase the protective functions of the body.
In addition, in case of allergic reactions, urticaria, Quincke's edema or any other, patients are also prescribed diuretic drugs, for example, Furosemide and saline solutions. The dosage and duration of treatment in each case may vary. It all depends on a number of criteria that doctors take into account when drawing up a therapy program. If for a long time there are no noticeable improvements, then specialists can make appropriate adjustments to the course of treatment. It is also advisable for patients to abandon bad habits and adhere to proper nutrition.
For most allergenic diseases, outpatient treatment is allowed, but with acute urticaria and Quincke's edema, the patient can be placed in a hospital where he will be under constant medical supervision. They can let him go home if they can achieve a reduction in the intensity and severity of clinical manifestations.
It is worth noting that, depending on the form and severity of the allergic reaction, together with taking medications, patients can be prescribed topical preparations, produced in the form of ointment or cream, intended for the treatment of affected areas of the skin. Also, with skin rashes, therapeutic baths are very effective.
Diet for urticaria
Proper nutrition for Quincke's edema and urticaria plays a key role. Patients are advised to adhere to the following recommendations:
- refuse any products containing amino acids in their composition and capable of provoking the development of an allergic reaction;
- replace forbidden food with a similar one with a similar nutritional value, as well as with a similar chemical composition and beneficial properties;
- introduce new products into the daily diet gradually, so that the body can adapt to them normally.
With food allergies, urticaria and Quincke's edema are not the only pathological conditions that can be provoked by it, especially caution should be taken when using products containing allergens.
For the treatment period, it is recommended to completely abandon or at least minimize consumption:
- seafood;
- chicken eggs;
- red meat;
- dairy products;
- tropical fruits;
- legumes and cereals;
- nuts
- bakery products;
- any cocoa products;
- coffee;
- semi-finished products containing artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and flavor enhancers;
- fruits: apples, quinces, pears and cherries.
In children, urticaria, Quincke's edema, and other diseases caused by food allergies require closer attention to nutrition. It will be very difficult to independently create an optimal diet for them, so it is better to consult with a qualified specialist in advance. The same applies to women during lactation. Allergens can enter the baby’s body along with mother’s milk, so mothers should strictly follow a diet.
Preventive actions
It is advisable to get acquainted with them in the first place, in order to understand how you can protect yourself from these ailments. Proper nutrition is aimed at stopping an allergic reaction, but it alone is not enough to cope with the disease. There are a number of methods for the prevention of Quincke's edema and urticaria, which will not only increase the effectiveness of treatment, but also reduce the risk of developing these pathologies. Elimination implies the following:
- conducting wet cleaning in the home;
- compliance with the basic rules of personal hygiene;
- wearing loose clothing made from natural materials that does not fit too tightly on the body and does not constrain movements;
- minimizing the use of chemicals and household appliances;
- refusal to use carpets and furniture with soft fabric upholstery;
- prevention of severe overheating or hypothermia of the body;
- regular airing of rooms;
- reduction in the duration of sessions when visiting the solarium;
- revision of cosmetics and medications used.
All these preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of contact with allergens and reduce the risk of allergies. And with urticaria and Quincke's edema, they will make the symptoms less pronounced and speed up the healing process, provided that the patient is treating and adheres to all the recommendations of his doctor.
Conclusion
This article described in detail what urticaria and Quincke's edema are, why these conditions develop, and existing treatment methods are described. Noticing the first symptoms of these pathologies in yourself or your loved ones, you should not self-medicate and try to cure them at home. Both pathologies are very serious and can not only cause great harm to health, but also lead to death. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but immediately consult a doctor. Only comprehensive and timely treatment can guarantee a complete recovery without any serious health complications.
But even if the therapy is successful, and the disease completely recedes, then do not relax. To prevent its further development, it is necessary to adhere to the preventive measures described earlier in this article. Only in this way can you be completely calm for yourself and your family.