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please help me with my health project with just a little feed back?In November 2008 I was diagnosed with Angioedema. According to www.dictionary.com the encyclopedia definition of Angioedema is an "allergic disorder in which large, localized, painless swellings similar to hives appear under the skin. The swelling is caused by massive accumulation of fluid (edema) following exposure to an allergen (a substance to which the person has been sensitized) or, in cases with a hereditary disposition, after infection or injury. The reaction appears suddenly and persists for a few hours or days, occurring most often on the face, hands, feet, genitals, and mucous membranes." There are two types of Angioedema; the first is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) and second Acquired Angioedema (AAE). I will be explaining the difference between the two along with the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis for both.
When I was diagnosed they told me I had Hereditary Angioedema (HAE). HAE is the rarer form of the two types, but it is also the more dangerous one. It is passed through peoples genes and it affects the immune system, it causes swelling mainly in the face and airways, and can also cause abdominal cramping. Acquired Angioedema (AAE) is similar but a bit different, it is also a swelling, but similar to hives. The swelling is under the skin as opposed to the surface, and referred to as welts. Often times welts don't show. Whichever one you have, they are not fun, and they are to be taken seriously and with caution.
In February 2008 after eating a candy bar at school my stomach began to hurt, my stomach felt like was going to pop. I felt a strong urge to vomit, but didn't. I made it home from school and because the pain in my stomach was so strong I fainted and abruptly hit my head on the floor. With hereditary angioedema unexplainable abdominal cramping can take place, which is caused by intestinal swelling. Airway blockage can also occur that involves throat swelling and sudden hoarseness. When the swelling of the intestines occurs it can lead to; vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea and pain. If these symptoms aren't enough, the HAE also includes swelling in the arms, legs, lips, eyes, tongue and/or throat. In Acquired Angioedema some symptoms can include sudden redness or welts near the eyes, lips, hands, and feet and sometimes inside the throat. Sometimes swollen areas can be painful and itchy; can be followed by discolored patches or a rash on hands, feet, face and even genitals. All of these symptoms sound like they could be easily caused by an allergic reaction. Other than the throat swelling everything else is just an inconvenience.
According to Medline Plus acquired angioedema can be caused by allergens such as foods, dyes, pollen and certain medications such as; penicillin and medications used to treat high blood pressure. Exposure to animal dander can also cause reactions, along with insect bites. It is clear that acquired angioedema can easily be contracted; people need to take extra caution when faced with items they are allergic to. Hereditary angioedema is caused by low levels or improper function of a protein called C1 inhibitor. It affects the blood vessels. Rapid swelling can occur in hands feet, face, limbs, intestinal tract, and the throat. Normally there is a pre-existing condition in a relative who may have prematurely died without reason. Dental procedures, common cold and the flu can trigger an unexpected attack. Anxiety and stress along with physical activity can cause a reaction in people with hereditary angioedema. The causes and symptoms appear to be so common how does anyone know that they have a disease and not just a simply allergic reaction?
For several months I was living with hereditary angioedema and did not know. Parts of my face would swell and as time went on the swelling lasted longer and more and more of my face swelled with every reaction. If that wasn't annoying my feet no longer fit into my shoes and my jeans were super tight on certain days. After eight months of dealing with this I finally made an appointment with an allergist. I had found my problem I was allergic to soy, rice wheat, and grass, things I ate on a daily basis. I was told to take Claritin and it would help with the swelling. When testing for acquired angioedema the doctor will look at your skin to see if there is any indication of an allergic reaction or test to see if when you breathe you make an abnormal sound. For angioedema blood tests need to be performed to check levels on the C1, C4 and C2 inhibitors. When the Claritin didn't controlling the swelling I went back, and the allergist took blood samples to be tested, and finally found out what was wrong, but how do I fix this?
With acquired angioedema anti-inflammatory medications can be taken and cool compresses can help relieve your pain. The problem comes when a person stops breathing or has difficulty breathing they may be in need of immediate hel
-Erika
I just thought I would let you know that your question got cut off and so it never got to whatever it is that you wanted to ask. That's probably why no one has answered yet. That disease sounds very horrible and I want you to know that I have sympathy for you and wish you courage. My mom has a life threatening allergy to cold and changes in temperature and has almost died on two ocasions and needs transfusions regularly, and so I know where you are coming from. Good luck and be careful. And good luck with your project. If you wanted to know if what you wrote was well-written and good enough to be a paper or something, the answer is yes.
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