You can easily acquaint yourself with very common diseases just like by knowing hives and angiodema overview. What are hives and angiodema? What causes them and how can one tell that he or she has them? How can you treat and prevent them from harming your body? These are just some questions you have to look answers for.
Hives and angiodema are very common since they affect young and old alike. Although some consider them as harmless, they still need to be treated immediately. So how can you prevent them? Simply read some information on hives and angiodema below:
What is Hives?
Hives appear on the upper dermis of the skin. They are swollen skin eruptions which are also known as urticaria, nettle rash and wheals. They appear in batches on the skin and are red and extremely itchy. They affect mostly the arms, legs, throat, face, and trunk. Some are circular in shape while others are irregular. They also change in size after a few hours.
Cause of Hives
Most cases of hives are due to allergens. Red and itchy rashes appear when your body reacts to substances you are allergic to. Food allergens like those present in milk, eggs, nuts, shellfish, chicken, and some fruits and vegetables can trigger hives. Meanwhile, there are also medications that can cause them like antibiotics, penicillin, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant drugs as well as vaccinations and contraceptive pills. Other common causes are pollen, dust, insect bites, bee stings, too much heat, and cold.
What is Angiodema?
Angiodema refers to the rapid swelling of the dermis including the subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and sub mucosal tissues. It is very similar to hives or urticaria. Angiodema or angioneurotic edema is a medical emergency since it can block the air passage, prevent oxygen from entering the respiratory system, and can cause suffocation if not treated immediately.
Causes of Angiodema
Medical practitioners can trace the cause of angiodema except for those which are hereditary. According to them, it can be acquired through allergy especially if you take or eat and expose yourself to the substances which you are allergic to. It can also be caused by certain medication as a side effect.
Treatment and Prevention of Hives and Angiodema
If you want to prevent hives and angiodema you have to stay away from their causes. There are many treatments available for both like undergoing medical examination like routine blood tests, complete blood count, electrolyte, renal function, and liver enzymes. Doctors also recommend taking antihistamines to minimize itching and swelling.
Perhaps you know better now how to take care of your health based on the hives and angiodema overview presented above. The prevention of hives can be easily done if you know what it is and other conditions that go along with it like angiodema. Stop hives and angiodema by avoiding their causes and applying their prevention.