Angioedema is a medical condition that causes sudden and intense swelling beneath the skin’s surface, typically near the eyes, feet, hands, lips, and occasionally the throat. This swelling can feel alarming and occurs because fluid leaks from small blood vessels into adjacent tissues and puffs them up.
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors. The basic causes include allergies to foods like shellfish or nuts, insect bites, medications, or contact with particular plants or chemical substances. Some individuals develop Angioedema because of inherited tendency for this kind of swelling from the family.
Angioedema generally resolves within a few days but is uncomfortable and may be fatal if swelling occurs in the throat and affects breathing. It is important to identify and avoid the known triggers of this condition and seek medical attention if swelling is severe or interferes with breathing. Knowing the triggers and managing your condition can decrease occurrences and keep you safe.
Angioedema is frightening as it can be sudden and can affect the face, throat, or other limbs. This condition is brought on primarily by fluid collecting in the deeper layers of the skin or mucous membranes. Knowing the triggers helps manage and prevent episodes of this condition.
The following are basic reasons for Angioedema :
Allergies: Frequent triggers include allergic reactions to foods (nuts, eggs or shellfish), animal dander, pollen, and insect stings.
Medications: Several medications like blood pressure drugs or ACE inhibitors and pain relievers (ibuprofen & some antibiotics and aspirin) result in Angioedema.
Genetic Factors: Hereditary Angioedema is a genetic disorder where episodes of swelling occur without external cause because of an inherited faulty gene.
Environmental Factors: Excessive cold, heat, sunlight or water might result in Angioedema in certain individuals.
Stress: Mental stress and anxiety can also trigger episodes of Angioedema in certain people.
Infections: Viral and bacterial infections sometimes cause swelling, which is typical of Angioedema.
Other Medical Conditions: Angioedema may be brought on by underlying health issues such as autoimmune disorders or lymphatic system abnormalities.
Angioedema has distinct and sometimes dramatic symptoms that are difficult to ignore. It usually involves deep swelling beneath the skin in places of loose tissue such as the face, limbs, and throat. Identifying the signs early may aid in management and prevent more serious complications.
Following are the common symptoms and signs of Angioedema:
Angioedema is marked by sudden, noticeable swelling. This could happen around the eyes, feet, hands, lips, and genitals. The swelling is usually more severe and lasts longer than ordinary hives.
Unlike simple swelling, Angioedema is painful, especially around joints or limbs.
In case the swelling happens to be located in the digestive tract, it can cause intense abdominal pain, discomfort and cramping.
If the swelling takes place in the throat or tongue, breathing and swallowing can become difficult, potentially life threatening, which requires medical care.
The area affected may be red and warm to the touch.
Even though not as common as hives, some individuals with Angioedema may face itching around swollen areas.
In case the swelling causes too much stress, pain or affects blood pressure, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Angioedema by combining evidence-based Ayurvedic knowledge and the latest advances in modern medicine to achieve the desired results. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Medicines: Personalised Ayrvedic medicines formulated to balance the body’s doshas and counter the identified root-cause(s) of the condition.
Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness: Relaxing techniques for improving mental health and overall well-being.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Treatments like Panchakarma and similar time-tested Ayurvedic massages are included in treatment plans to detoxify the body, offer deep relaxation and relief from chronic pain..
Dietary & Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on adjusting your diet and lifestyle to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Ayurvedic medicines focus on restoring the body’s natural balance by correcting the dosha imbalances that further cause swelling and discomfort. Following are some commonly noted Ayurvedic medicinal herbs used for treating Angioedema:
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): This is an anti-inflammatory and diuretic herb which helps with swelling and fluid buildup within the body.
Shilajit: Mineral and fulvic acid-rich Shilajit helps in rejuvenating the body and boosts immune function which may be helpful in managing chronic Angioedema.
Haridra (Turmeric): Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities that can lessen the swelling and pain of Angioedema. It's used in cooking or as a health supplement.
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem purifies the blood and reduces inflammation, which is why it is used for skin-related symptoms of Angioedema.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi has immunomodulatory properties and can control recurrent swelling.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi possesses anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory qualities and can help prevent and cure episodes of Angioedema.
Yes, one form called Hereditary Angioedema is inherited in families and is caused by a blood protein genetic mutation.
Yes, kids can develop Angioedema, even though some forms, particularly Hereditary Angioedema, might not develop until late childhood or teenage years.
Angioedema may develop rapidly, sometimes within minutes or hours of a trigger exposure.
Yes, mild forms of Angioedema resolve without treatment, but monitoring is essential to stay away from further symptom aggravation.
Ayurveda recommends avoiding allergenic and heavy foods that aggravate doshas (dairy, nuts, and highly spicy or oily foods).
Yoga can moderate stress and may reduce the incidence of stress-related Angioedema flare-ups.
Ayurveda considers Angioedema as an imbalance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) as revealed by symptoms and patient history.
Yes, avoiding known triggers, reducing stress and leading a healthy lifestyle can decrease the incidence and severity of Angioedema episodes.
An Ayurvedic cleanse detoxifies the body with specific diets, herbal treatments and therapies to restore doshic balance and relieve symptoms.
Yes, cooling pastes from Ayurvedic herbs like sandalwood or aloe vera can be put on to swollen areas to ease symptoms.
While Ayurveda may not cure Angioedema, especially the hereditary type, it can help manage and ease the symptoms through holistic care.
