Angioedema is a medical condition which is similar to but more serious than urticaria, and may occasionally have a fatal outcome. It may be either acute if it has occurred for less than six weeks, or may be considered chronic for longer lasting attacks. This condition can be either allergic, hereditary, or may occur due to unknown causes. The causes for this condition include drug reactions, food allergies, local trauma, exposures to extremes of temperatures, allergy to animals, emotional stress, and illness. This condition is more common in women than men, and usually affects the face, extremities and genitalia.
Acute angioedema is best treated in a hospital, since it can be life-threatening. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is very effective for chronic angioedema. Treatment is aimed at reducing the allergic reaction and swelling which is seen in this condition. Treatment is also given according to the known cause for the condition. Medicines which act on the blood, the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, as well as the gastrointestinal system, are usually very useful in the treatment and management of chronic angioedema. Medicines may also be required to treat food allergies and allergy to animals, as well as to reduce and treat emotional stress. Ayurvedic immunomodulatory herbal agents may also required to treat chronic illnesses and improve the immune status of the affected individual.
Individuals affected with chronic angioedema usually require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from two to six months, depending upon the severity of the condition, and the individual response of the affected patient to the medicines. Once the symptoms started regressing, the frequency and dosage of the medicines can be gradually reduced and the affected individual can be kept on a maintenance dose, so as to prevent recurrence of the condition. With regular treatment, almost all individuals affected with angioedema recover completely from this condition.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
