What to do if urticaria and edema are severe
Urticaria is a common allergic skin disease characterized by red or pale wheals on the skin, accompanied by severe itching. In severe cases, angioedema may occur, leading to swelling of eyelids, lips, hands, feet, etc., and may even cause laryngeal edema, which is life-threatening. So, what should you do when urticaria and edema are severe? This article will give you detailed answers.
1. Common causes of urticaria and edema
The pathogenesis of urticarial edema is complex and is usually related to the following factors:
| Reason type | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| food allergy | Seafood, eggs, milk, nuts and other common allergenic foods |
| drug allergy | Penicillin, aspirin and other drugs may cause allergic reactions |
| environmental factors | Inhaled allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander |
| physical factors | Physical stimulation such as cold, heat, pressure, etc. |
| Infectious factors | Bacterial and viral infections may induce urticaria |
2. Emergency treatment measures for urticaria and edema
When severe urticaria and edema occur, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swallowing, the following measures should be taken immediately:
| Processing steps | Specific operations |
|---|---|
| seek medical attention immediately | Call the emergency number or go to the hospital emergency department immediately |
| Keep airway open | If there are signs of laryngeal edema, stay seated and avoid lying on your back |
| taking antihistamines | If you have backup antihistamines, take them immediately |
| avoid scratching | Minimize irritation to the affected area to prevent symptoms from worsening |
3. Drug treatment of urticaria and edema
Doctors usually choose the following drug treatment options based on the severity of the condition:
| drug type | Representative medicine | Mechanism of action |
|---|---|---|
| antihistamines | Loratadine, Cetirizine | Blocks histamine receptors, relieving symptoms |
| Glucocorticoids | Prednisone, dexamethasone | Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, for severe cases |
| Adrenaline | epinephrine injection | For use in critical situations such as anaphylactic shock |
4. Daily care for urticaria and edema
In addition to drug treatment, care in daily life is also very important:
| Nursing | specific suggestions |
|---|---|
| Diet management | Avoid known allergic foods and eat a light diet |
| Clothing choices | Choose loose, breathable cotton clothing |
| environmental control | Keep your home clean to reduce dust mites and other allergens |
| emotion regulation | Avoid excessive stress and anxiety |
5. Preventive measures for urticaria and edema
To prevent the onset of urticaria and edema, you need to pay attention to the following points:
1. Keep an allergy diary: record the time, symptoms, and possible triggers of each attack to help identify allergens.
2. Conduct allergen testing: identify allergens through skin prick testing or blood testing.
3. Carry medications with you: For patients with frequent attacks, antihistamines should be carried with you.
4. Avoid known triggers: Depending on personal circumstances, try to avoid contact with known allergens or triggers.
6. When Do You Need Medical Treatment?
You should seek medical attention immediately if:
1. Edema involving the face, lips or tongue
2. Difficulty breathing or wheezing
3. Accompanied by dizziness and confusion
4. Symptoms persist for more than 24 hours without relief
5. Recurrent attacks, affecting daily life
Urticaria and edema, although common, can be life-threatening in severe cases. By understanding relevant knowledge and mastering the correct treatment methods, symptoms can be effectively controlled and the frequency of attacks reduced. If symptoms are severe or persist, be sure to seek professional medical help promptly.
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