In dermatology, there are many diseases that manifest themselves in the form of 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 he alth hazard, but is accompanied not only by a rash, but also by severe itching, and in some cases even burning.
With prolonged lack of treatment, the likelihood of developing various complications increases. Very often, with a long course of the disease, patients have a severe swelling of the face. This problem is not only aesthetic in nature, but also introduces a number of inconveniences into the daily life of a person. Many people mistakenly believe that urticaria, also known as urticaria, and Quincke's edema are 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 methods of therapy exist today.
Classification
Let's take a closer look at this. To select the appropriate treatment, the doctor needs to establish the form and type of anaphylactic shock. In medical practice, urticaria is divided into two types:
- allergenic;
- pseudoallergenic.
In the first case, the 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 the antigen enters the body, activator proteins begin to be produced in large quantities, 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 blisters of red color, which are very itchy. In some cases, they may burst, leaving sores 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 he alth of the oral cavity, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired normal functioning of the liver, and many others. Clinical manifestations in this case can be both local and global.
Main causes of urticaria
This aspect needspay special attention. The most common disease of the epidermis 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 may be different. The disease can develop due to many negative factors. In order to quickly defeat it, it is very important to establish what caused it to manifest itself. To do 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;
- effects of taking certain medications;
- body's 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 strain.
Edema develops due to the fact that when allergens enter the body, the blood vessels expand, resulting in an increase in their permeability. In addition to the main reasons, there are a number of negative factors that can provoke the development of urticaria. These include severe hypothermia, prolongedbeing in stressful situations and severe intoxication caused by various chemicals and toxic substances. In some cases, pathology can also be the result of autoimmune disorders, certain diseases of the internal organs and helminthic invasions.
The most dangerous is an allergic reaction to various medications, as it can lead to anaphylactic shock. Urticaria and angioedema in this case are intense and pronounced symptoms. The patient's condition may deteriorate rapidly and require immediate medical attention.
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 have absolutely no idea how Quincke's edema differs from demographic urticaria. Despite the fact that both pathologies are the body's response to an allergen, nevertheless, there are certain differences between them.
Urticaria causes a red, itchy rash on the skin. It appears suddenly and just as well disappears after a certain time. This is due to the fact that the allergen enters only the blood. In the case of angioedema, connective and soft tissues are affected. Such a phenomenon is very dangerous, since it creates a great threat to human he alth and life. If the patient is not provided with qualified medical care in time, the person may even die.
Many people are interested in the question of whetherCan urticaria turn into Quincke's edema? This is understandable, because both pathologies are allergic in nature. According to doctors, in medical practice, this happens quite often. For example, if urticaria is left untreated for too long, it can lead to various complications, one of which is angioedema.
Clinical manifestations
Let's take a closer look at this. Symptoms of urticaria and Quincke's edema can be of varying intensity. As the disease develops, they merge into one, as a result of which the general state of he alth worsens in patients and the following clinical picture is observed:
- voice change;
- numbness of the tongue;
- shortness of breath;
- increased anxiety;
- nervous disorders;
- panic attacks;
- the skin in the area of edema formation becomes bluish;
- dizziness;
- periodic fainting;
- muscle cramps;
- acute abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- nausea and gagging;
- disorders of the digestive system;
- bronchospasms;
- acute urinary retention;
- problems with the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- swelling of the soft tissues of the mouth, neck and facial part of the head.
When most of the above symptoms of urticaria and Quincke's edema occur, emergency care should be provided to the patient immediately. Otherwise, the consequences can be the most dire. Atif you suspect urticaria, you should go to the hospital, since it is impossible to self-diagnose the disease at home.
Diagnosis
What is it and what is its peculiarity? Quincke's edema and urticaria (photos fully confirm this) are very similar in their external manifestations, as a result of which they are often confused. However, both diseases require a completely different approach to therapy, so before you start taking any action, it is very important to first make the correct diagnosis. This can only be done by an experienced specialist based on the existing symptoms and the results of certain laboratory tests.
At the first appointment, the doctor interviews the patient in order to collect detailed information and preliminarily identify the problem. To accurately confirm an allergic reaction, urticaria, Quincke's edema and other typical immunopathological processes, the following types of studies must be completed:
- allergen skin testing;
- general blood and urine tests;
- blood biochemistry;
- enzymatic immunoassay;
- bacteriological cultures in the areas of localization of the lesion;
- radiography of the internal organs of the chest area;
- esophagogastroduodenoscopy;
- duodenal sounding;
- chest ultrasound.
Hives and Quincke's edema are a group of skin diseases treated by a dermatologist. But inin some cases, in order to obtain more detailed information about any pathology and draw up the most detailed clinical picture of the patient's he alth, consultation with specialists such as a general practitioner, rheumatologist, allergist and gastroenterologist may be required. A referral for an appointment with them is issued if the following pathologies are suspected:
- renal and liver dysfunction;
- Wagner's disease;
- malignant tumor;
- blood diseases;
- pathology of the thyroid gland.
Specialists pay great attention to the hereditary factor. In medical practice, there are cases when some allergic reactions develop in people due to various deviations 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.
First steps for urticaria
This aspect should be read first. To reduce the risk of developing serious complications, in no case should urticaria and Quincke's edema be ignored. Emergency care includes the following:
- Call an ambulance.
- Open a window to let fresh air in.
- Put the person's body in a comfortable position.
- Exclude patient contact with the allergen.
- Give me a special alkaline drink. To prepare it, you need to dilute 1 gram of baking soda tolitere of water. This tool helps to eliminate allergens from the body, which has a positive effect on well-being and relieves allergy symptoms.
- Give me some activated charcoal to drink.
- Remove his restrictive clothing.
- If an allergic reaction occurs after an insect bite, then cold should be applied to it.
- If the victim is conscious, it is necessary to give him a drink of any drug that has an antihistamine effect. For example, "Suprastin" is considered good. You can also inject "Tavergil".
It is forbidden to take any other action before the arrival of the doctors. They can not only aggravate the state of he alth, 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.
Basic Therapies
Let's take a closer look at this. Treatment of urticaria and Quincke's edema depends on the cause of the disease. The course of therapy is selected personally for each patient after a comprehensive examination and accurate diagnosis. As a rule, it is based on taking the following medications:
- First generation antihistamines: are among the most effective in allergic reactions, but have a sedative effect. Among the best medicines in this group are Diazolin, Dimedrol, Suprastin and Tavergil.
- Second generation antihistamines: block the dendrites of sensitiveneurons and prevent further entry of allergens into the body. One of the most common drugs is Ketotifen.
- Third-generation histamines: actively reduce the intensity of symptoms, thereby preventing further development of allergies. As a rule, patients are prescribed a course of Loratadine.
- Glucocorticosteroids: relieve swelling and inflammation, and also have an anti-allergic effect. One of the most effective medications is Prednisolone.
- Vitamin complexes: to replenish missing nutrients in the body, as well as to maintain the immune system and increase the protective functions of the body.
In addition, with allergic reactions, urticaria, Quincke's edema or any other, patients are also prescribed diuretic drugs, such as Furosemide and saline solutions. The dosage and duration of treatment in each case may differ. It all depends on a number of criteria that are taken into account by doctors when drawing up a therapy program. If there are no noticeable improvements for a long time, then specialists can make appropriate adjustments to the course of treatment. It is also advisable for patients to give up 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 the constant supervision of doctors. Home it canlet go if you can achieve a decrease in the intensity and severity of clinical manifestations.
It is worth noting that, depending on the form and severity of the allergic reaction, patients may be prescribed topical agents in the form of an ointment or cream, designed to treat the affected areas of the skin, together with taking medications. Also, therapeutic baths are very effective for skin rashes.
Diet for urticaria
Proper nutrition with 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, having a similar nutritional value, as well as similar in chemical composition and beneficial properties;
- introduce new foods into your 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, you should be especially careful when using foods containing allergens in their composition.
For the period of treatment, it is recommended to completely refuse or at least minimize consumption:
- seafood;
- chicken eggs;
- red meat;
- fermented milk products;
- tropical fruits;
- legumes and cereals;
- nuts;
- baked goods;
- any cocoa products;
- coffee;
- semi-finished products containing artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and flavor enhancers;
- fruits: apples, quinces, pears and cherries.
In children, hives, Quincke's edema and other diseases caused by food allergies require more attention to nutrition. It will be very difficult to make an optimal diet for them on your own, so it is better to first consult with a qualified specialist. The same applies to women during lactation. Allergens can enter the baby's body along with mother's milk, so mothers must strictly adhere to the diet.
Prevention measures
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with them in the very first place in order to understand how you can protect yourself from these ailments. Proper nutrition is aimed at stopping the allergic reaction, but it alone is not enough to cope with the disease. There are a number of methods for preventing 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:
- wet cleaning in the home;
- observance of basic rules of personal hygiene;
- wearing loose-fitting clothes made from natural materials that are not too tight to the body and do not hinder movement;
- minimizing the use of chemicals and household products;
- avoiding carpets and upholstered furniture;
- avoiding severe overheating or hypothermia of the body;
- regular airing of rooms;
- reducing the duration of sessions when visiting a solarium;
- rethinking the use of cosmetics and medications.
All these preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of contact with allergens and reduce the risk of developing allergies. And with urticaria and Quincke's edema, they will make the symptoms less pronounced and speed up the recovery process, provided that the patient is treated and adheres to all the recommendations of his doctor.
Conclusion
This article described in detail what urticaria and Quincke's edema are, for what reasons these conditions develop, and also describes existing methods of treatment. Having noticed 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 he alth, but also lead to death. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but immediately contact the doctor. Only comprehensive and timely treatment can guarantee a full recovery without any serious he alth complications.
But even if the therapy is successful, and the disease completely recedes, then you should not relax. To prevent itfurther 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.
