Quincke's edema - causes and symptoms Quincke's edema

According to the features of the course and causes of occurrence, Quincke's edema is divided into two types:

• allergic Quincke's edema - provoked by the effect of one or more allergens;
• hereditary or pseudoallergic Quincke's edema - provoked by congenital disorders of the complement system.

Causes

The cause of allergic Quincke's edema is an inadequate reaction of the body to allergens. They activate the production of histamine, which in large quantities provokes tissue swelling. Allergens can include:

• animal hair;
• insect bites;
• food products;
• medicines;
• food additives.

The cause of hereditary Quincke's edema is a mutation of the C1NH gene, which leads to a decrease in the C1 complement inhibitor. Insufficient amounts of it in the body lead to uncontrolled production of histamine, which provokes tissue edema. This process is most often activated by physical exertion or during temperature changes.

Symptoms

Attacks of Quincke's edema have a pronounced character:

• suddenly developing swelling in the face and neck, genitals, mucous membranes of the larynx, mouth, nasopharynx;
• difficulty breathing;
• hoarseness;
• barking cough;
• change in skin color (redness of the face and neck, paleness of the nasolabial triangle and lips);
• nausea and vomiting;
• urticaria (itchy spots on the skin of red or pink colors).

The spread of Quincke's edema to the brain provokes neurological disorders (hemiplegia, aphasia, epileptiform seizures), laryngeal edema leads to death.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis and identify its causes, you need to make an appointment with an allergist-immunologist. You may also need to see a neurologist and dermatologist.

Diagnostics of Quincke's edema include the following activities:

• analysis of complaints and anamnesis of the pathology;
• general examination of the patient;
• palpation of the abdomen;
• listening to the lungs;
• measuring blood pressure, temperature, pulse;
• allergy tests;
• blood test.

Treatment

If Quincke's edema is accompanied by swelling of the larynx, urgent medical care is required in the form of intubation (insertion of a breathing tube), and pulse and blood pressure monitoring is also necessary.

Further treatment is prescribed by an allergist-immunologist, and in the presence of urticaria, the treatment is supplemented by a consultation with a dermatologist.

Drug treatment of Quincke's edema depends on its form:

• hereditary edema is treated with diuretics, hormonal drugs and plasma with C1-inhibitor enzymes;
• allergic edema is treated with diuretics, steroids and antihistamines.

Prevention

Preventive measures for Quincke's edema include:

• adherence to a hypoallergenic diet;
• exclusion of contact with animals;
• refusal from drugs that cause allergies;
• minimizing stressful situations.