Treatment

The treatment for angioedema depends onwhat's causing it. There are several different types of angioedema , each of which has a different cause. Angioedema can usually be treated at home, although severe cases may need to be treated in hospital. This page covers treatments for: Allergic and idiopathic angioedema Drug-induced angioedema Hereditary angioedema Allergic and idiopathic angioedema Allergic angioedema and idiopathic angioedema are usually treated ina similar way. Avoiding triggers Avoiding particular substances or activities that trigger your symptoms may help reduceyour chances of experiencing swelling. For example, if you're allergic to a certain type of food, it can help to check the ingredients in food you buy and be careful when eating out. Read about preventing allergic reactions for more advice. Antihistamines and steroid medication Your GP maysuggest taking Antihistamines to reduce swelling when it occurs. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, one of the chemicals responsible for the swelling. Some types can be bought in pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription. Some antihistamines can make you feel drowsy, so it's best to take non-drowsy medications such as cetirizine and loratadine if your symptoms occur during the day. Some antihistamines can make you feel drowsy. Avoid driving, drinking alcohol or operating dangerous machinery if you experience this. Other side effects of antihistamines can include: headaches a dry mouth a dry nose If the swelling is severe, your GP may prescribe a short course of steroid medication . This is a powerful medication that's only used for short periods because it can have troublesome side effects. Adrenaline auto-injectors If you have a particularly serious allergy, you may begiven adrenaline auto-injectors to use if you experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) . There areseveral types ofauto-injector, which are used in slightly different ways. Read about preventing anaphylaxis for more information. Drug -induced angioedema If a certain medication you're taking is thought to be responsible for your angioedema, your doctor will usually advise stopping it. They can prescribe a different medication for you to take instead. This is usually all that needs to be done. Tell your doctor if your symptoms continue or come back after switching medication. Hereditary angioedema Hereditary angioedema can't be cured, but medications can help prevent and treatthe swelling. Preventing swelling Medications called danazol and oxandrolone can help reduce the chances of swelling occurring if you have hereditary angioedema. These medicines boost the levels ofC1 esterase inhibitor in your blood. Low levels of this substance are what causes the swelling. Side effects of these medications can include: weight gain in women,excessive bodyor facial hair growth,deepening of the voice, irregular periods or absent periods depression high blood pressure liver problems A medication called tranexamic acid may sometimes be used as an alternative, particularly in children and women. This causes fewer side effects, but may not be as effective in preventing swelling. Treating swelling Two main treatments can be used to treat swelling caused by hereditary angioedema: icatibant a medication given by injection thatblocks the effects of some of the chemicals responsible for the swelling C1 esterase inhibitor replacement a treatment given by injection that boosts the levels ofC1 esterase inhibitor in your blood Occasionally, C1 esterase inhibitor replacement may also beused shortly before surgery or dental treatment, as it can reduce the risk of these triggering swelling. You may be given a supply ofmedication to keep at home and be taught how to give the injections yourself.