Associated symptoms of Quincke’s edema

Allergic Quincke’s edema can be accompanied by typical symptoms such as hives and itching. The itching then usually affects the entire skin and not just a specific part of the body. Furthermore, redness of the eyes may occur.

In the case of non-allergic Quincke’s edema, there may also be accompanying symptoms in addition to the swelling. For example, swelling of the tongue and the lips is associated with dumpy and difficult speech. Swelling of the larynx and glottis leads to shortness of breath and inspiratory stridor.

This is a whistling, sharp breathing sound that can be heard when breathing in. Sweating and panic are also typical of Quincke’s edema. Severe swelling of the eyelids can also cause visual disturbances and even injuries to the eyes. A pronounced allergic reaction can lead to dizziness and circulatory problems, up to and including circulatory failure.

The treatment of Quincke’s edema

Acute angioedema is usually treated with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs. In the case of an acute allergic reaction, various drugs are administered directly through the vein, so that a rapid onset of action is achieved. These include corticosteroids, antihistamines or even adrenaline.

The latter is used as an emergency medication in cases of severe circulatory problems. Prophylactically, the most important measure in the case of allergic angioedema is to avoid allergens. Food or other allergens should be strictly avoided.

If the angioedema is caused by a drug, the medication is changed to another drug. If complications have already occurred, such as a swollen larynx, absolute emergency measures must be taken. In this case the airway must be secured by a tracheotomy.

This is a tracheotomy that allows the patient to be ventilated despite the swollen larynx. The treatment of congenital Quincke’s edema is fundamentally different from that of allergic Quinkce’s edema. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are ineffective in this case.

Patients suffering from hereditary Quincke’s edema require long-term prophylaxis. Various drugs are available for this. One of these is Icatibant, which is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist.

This substance blocks the binding site of the messenger substance bradykinin, which is largely responsible for the development of Quincke’s edema. As an alternative, prophylaxis with male hormones, so-called androgens, can be considered. These prevent the development of Quincke’s edema via an unknown mechanism.

In acute cases of congenital Quincke’s edema, emergency therapy with a C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate can be used. This protein replaces the protein that is present in the body in too low doses in congenital Quincke’s edema. Such a concentrate is also administered prophylactically before major surgery, as even then the risk of Quincke’s edema is increased.