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Does prednisone make you dizzy. Prednisone Side Effects: Dizziness, Short-Term & Serious Complications

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Does prednisone cause dizziness. What are the common short-term side effects of prednisone. How does prednisone affect blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Can prednisone lead to serious complications like bone loss or cardiovascular issues. Is prednisone associated with an increased risk of infections.

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Understanding Prednisone: A Powerful Corticosteroid Medication

Prednisone is a widely prescribed corticosteroid medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders. While it can be highly effective in managing symptoms, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects associated with its use. This comprehensive guide explores both short-term and serious side effects of prednisone, providing valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Common Short-Term Side Effects of Prednisone

Prednisone users may experience a range of short-term side effects, which are typically mild and often resolve within a few days to weeks. These effects can vary depending on factors such as dosage, duration of treatment, and individual health status. Do women experience prednisone side effects differently? Studies suggest that women may be more susceptible to certain side effects, though the reasons for this are not fully understood.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Mood changes
  • Insomnia
  • Blurred vision
  • Acne
  • Fluid retention

Are there differences in side effects based on the method of administration? Indeed, the form in which prednisone is taken can influence the side effects experienced. For instance, liquid prednisone may cause a sore mouth, throat, and stomach pain, while inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone (found in medications such as Advair) may have different side effect profiles.

Prednisone and Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

One of the notable side effects of prednisone is its impact on blood pressure. Can prednisone cause hypertension? Yes, prednisone can elevate blood pressure levels, particularly in higher doses or with long-term use. This effect is due to the medication’s influence on fluid retention and electrolyte balance in the body.

To monitor this potential side effect, healthcare providers often recommend regular blood pressure checks for patients on prednisone therapy. How can patients manage prednisone-induced hypertension? Strategies may include:

  1. Regular blood pressure monitoring
  2. Sodium restriction in the diet
  3. Increased physical activity (as approved by a healthcare provider)
  4. Stress reduction techniques
  5. Potential use of antihypertensive medications if necessary

Prednisone and Blood Sugar: Implications for Diabetics and Non-Diabetics

Another significant concern with prednisone use is its effect on blood sugar levels. Does prednisone increase blood sugar in all patients? While prednisone can elevate blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, those with pre-existing diabetes or at risk for diabetes are particularly vulnerable to this side effect.

The mechanism behind prednisone’s impact on blood sugar involves its influence on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. How can patients manage blood sugar levels while on prednisone?

  • Regular blood glucose monitoring
  • Adherence to a balanced, low-glycemic diet
  • Increased physical activity (as approved by a healthcare provider)
  • Potential adjustment of diabetes medications under medical supervision
  • Consideration of alternative treatments for those at high risk of diabetes complications

Serious Side Effects: When Prednisone Demands Closer Attention

While many prednisone side effects are manageable, some can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. These severe side effects are often associated with higher doses or long-term use of the medication. What are the most concerning serious side effects of prednisone?

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions to prednisone can occur and may be life-threatening. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Immediate medical attention is crucial if these symptoms appear.

Bone Loss and Osteonecrosis

Long-term prednisone use can lead to significant bone loss, increasing the risk of fractures. In some cases, it may cause osteonecrosis, a condition where bone tissue dies due to reduced blood flow. How prevalent is prednisone-induced bone loss? Studies suggest that up to 40% of patients on long-term prednisone therapy experience enough bone loss to increase fracture risk.

Cardiovascular Complications

Prednisone can affect heart health by altering electrolyte balance and potentially increasing blood pressure. In some cases, it may contribute to the development of premature atherosclerosis, particularly in patients taking medium to high doses.

Cushing Syndrome

Prolonged exposure to high levels of corticosteroids like prednisone can lead to Cushing syndrome, characterized by redistribution of body fat, particularly around the midsection, between the shoulder blades, and in the face. In children, Cushing syndrome may impair growth.

Gastrointestinal Issues: A Common Concern with Prednisone Use

Prednisone can significantly impact the gastrointestinal system, leading to various complications. What are the primary gastrointestinal concerns associated with prednisone use?

  • Increased risk of gastric ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Pancreatitis

Is there an increased risk when combining prednisone with other medications? Yes, the risk of gastrointestinal complications is notably higher when prednisone is taken alongside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In fact, the risk of developing gastric ulcers or experiencing GI bleeding is four times higher when these medications are combined.

Infection Risk: Balancing Immunosuppression and Treatment Benefits

One of the most significant concerns with prednisone use is its impact on the immune system. Does prednisone increase susceptibility to infections? Yes, prednisone and other corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of developing various infections, ranging from mild to severe.

What factors influence the infection risk associated with prednisone use?

  • Dosage: Higher doses generally pose a greater risk
  • Duration of treatment: Longer-term use increases susceptibility
  • Age: Older individuals may be more vulnerable
  • Concurrent use of other immunosuppressive medications
  • Pre-existing health conditions

How can patients and healthcare providers mitigate infection risk while on prednisone? Strategies may include:

  1. Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
  2. Regular monitoring for signs of infection
  3. Maintaining good hygiene practices
  4. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations (as approved by a healthcare provider)
  5. Promptly addressing any potential signs of infection

Muscle and Skin Effects: Lesser-Known but Important Considerations

Prednisone’s impact extends beyond internal systems, affecting muscles and skin as well. What muscle-related side effects can occur with prednisone use? Some patients may experience muscle weakness, particularly in the legs and arms. In severe cases, this weakness may necessitate hospitalization.

How does prednisone affect the skin? Even at low doses, prednisone can cause various skin issues, including:

  • Skin thinning
  • Increased bruising
  • Acne
  • Excess hair growth
  • Slow wound healing

Can these side effects be reversed? In many cases, discontinuing prednisone treatment and engaging in appropriate exercises can help reverse muscle weakness. Skin issues often improve after stopping the medication, though some effects may persist longer.

Managing Prednisone Side Effects: Strategies for Patients and Providers

Given the wide range of potential side effects, managing prednisone therapy requires a collaborative approach between patients and healthcare providers. What strategies can help minimize the risk of side effects?

  1. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
  2. Consider alternative delivery methods (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids for respiratory conditions)
  3. Implement a tapering schedule when discontinuing prednisone to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  4. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and bone density
  5. Nutritional support, including calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health
  6. Proactive management of gastrointestinal risks, such as using gastroprotective medications when necessary
  7. Physical activity and exercise as approved by a healthcare provider
  8. Open communication between patients and healthcare providers about any new or worsening symptoms

Are there alternatives to prednisone for certain conditions? In some cases, healthcare providers may consider alternative medications or treatment approaches, particularly for long-term management of chronic conditions. These alternatives may include other immunomodulatory drugs, biologic therapies, or non-pharmacological interventions, depending on the specific condition being treated.

The Future of Corticosteroid Therapy: Research and Innovations

As medical research advances, efforts are ongoing to develop corticosteroid treatments with improved side effect profiles. What innovations are on the horizon for prednisone and related medications?

  • Selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SEGRMs): These compounds aim to retain the anti-inflammatory benefits of corticosteroids while reducing side effects
  • Targeted delivery systems: Research into nanoparticle-based delivery methods may allow for more precise targeting of affected tissues, potentially reducing systemic side effects
  • Combination therapies: Exploring synergistic effects of prednisone with other medications to allow for lower doses and reduced side effects
  • Genetic markers: Identifying genetic factors that influence individual responses to prednisone, potentially allowing for more personalized treatment approaches

How might these advancements change the landscape of corticosteroid therapy? As research progresses, patients may benefit from more tailored treatment options with improved efficacy and reduced side effect burden. However, it’s important to note that developing and testing new medications is a lengthy process, and current prednisone formulations remain a crucial tool in managing many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Prednisone in Special Populations: Considerations for Pregnant Women and Children

The use of prednisone in pregnant women and children requires careful consideration due to potential risks and long-term effects. How does prednisone affect fetal development? Prednisone crosses the placental barrier and may increase the risk of cleft palate in developing fetuses, particularly when used in the first trimester. However, in some cases, the benefits of prednisone treatment during pregnancy may outweigh the risks.

What are the specific concerns for children taking prednisone?

  • Growth suppression: Long-term use may slow growth in children
  • Bone health: Children may be particularly susceptible to prednisone-induced bone loss
  • Immune system development: Potential long-term effects on immune function
  • Adrenal suppression: Risk of inadequate stress response if prednisone is stopped abruptly

How can healthcare providers balance the need for treatment with potential risks in these populations? Strategies may include:

  1. Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible
  2. Considering alternative medications or delivery methods when appropriate
  3. Close monitoring of growth and development in children
  4. Nutritional support and bone health interventions
  5. Careful planning for pregnancy in women of childbearing age who require long-term corticosteroid therapy

By understanding these special considerations, healthcare providers can make informed decisions to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing potential risks in vulnerable populations.

Short-Term & Serious Side Effects

Common short-term prednisone side effects include nausea, weight gain and headaches. More serious side effects include fetal toxicity, allergic reactions and high blood pressure. Prednisone side effects are more likely to occur with larger doses or long-term therapy.

Common Short-Term Prednisone Side Effects

Common side effects of prednisone tend to be mild, especially with lower doses and short-term use. They may last a few days to a few weeks. If side effects persist or worsen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Women are more likely to experience prednisone side effects, which can vary in severity and type, depending on a person’s overall health, age and other medications they take.


Common prednisone side effects include:

  • Acne

  • Blurred vision

  • Changes in behavior or mood

  • Dizziness

  • Elevated blood pressure levels

  • Elevated blood sugar levels

  • Fluid retention

  • Headache

  • Increased appetite

  • Insomnia or fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Restlessness and inability to stay still (akathisia)

  • Sleep problems

  • Swelling

  • Thinning skin

  • Vomiting

  • Weight gain

Many people take prednisone with only minor side effects — or none — but each method of taking corticosteroids can present its own unique side effects. In its liquid form, prednisone can cause a sore mouth, sore throat and stomach pain.

Other corticosteroids come as inhalers, as topical creams or as IV fluids. Fluticasone in asthma medications, such as Advair, comes in an inhaler. Hydrocortisone often comes as a cream. Methylprednisolone comes in tablet form, but medical providers can also deliver it intravenously for multiple sclerosis patients.

Serious Prednisone Side Effects

The most serious prednisone side effects usually include allergic reactions, infections, gastrointestinal issues and elevated blood sugar. These may occur when people take larger doses or take the medication for long-term treatment.


Some side effects and what to expect from them include:

Allergic Reactions:
The most prevalent reactions are hives, skin rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips, tongue or face. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact an urgent-care provider or your local emergency room.

Bone Loss:
One study showed that up to 40% on a long-term treatment of prednisone have enough bone loss to lead to a fracture. People can also experience osteonecrosis, which is death of bone tissue because of reduced blood flow to the joints. This often manifests as hip and knee pain, but it can become severe and may require surgery. Most people lose bone mass within the first six to 12 months of prednisone therapy.

Cardiovascular Issues:
Prednisone can cause irregularities in potassium, calcium and phosphate levels, potentially leading to high blood pressure and heartbeat irregularities. People who take medium-high doses may develop premature atherosclerosis, a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries.

Cushing Syndrome:
Too much cortisol can trigger Cushing syndrome, which redistributes fat within the body. Signs of Cushing syndrome include the distribution of fatty tissue around the midsection, between the shoulder blades and in the face. Children with Cushing syndrome have experienced impaired growth.

Gastrointestinal Problems:
People who take prednisone increase their risk of developing gastric ulcer formation, gastritis and GI bleeding. The risk is four times higher when someone takes prednisone and an NSAID (such as ibuprofen) together. Other side effects include fatty liver and pancreatitis.

High Blood Sugar:
Anyone who takes prednisone should get their blood sugar tested and monitored while taking it. The drug can cause an increase in fasting blood sugar, a side effect especially serious for people with Type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar metabolism usually returns to normal after the medication is stopped.

Infection Risk:
Taking prednisone can increase the chances of developing mild, serious or life-threatening infections. Larger doses increase the risk, especially doses for immunosuppression. Older age and taking other medications that also suppress the immune system increases the risks. Doses of 10 mg or lower pose the least risk.

Muscle Weakness:
Prednisone and other corticosteroids can cause muscle weakness in the legs and arms. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Stopping treatment and performing exercises usually reverses this side effect.

Skin Problems:
Even at low doses, prednisone can cause skin issues. These include skin thinning, acne, excess hair growth (hirsutism), hair thinning, face redness, stripe-like marks on the skin (stria) and impaired wound healing.

Vision Changes:
Blurry vision is the most common eye problem associated with prednisone, but it’s usually not serious. However, the risk of cataracts in both eyes increases for people who take more than 10 mg of prednisone daily for longer than a year. The drug also increases eye pressure, potentially leading to glaucoma or even permanent damage to the optic nerve.

Fetal toxicity is a valid concern for pregnant women who have a medical reason for taking prednisone. Autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, are potentially more damaging to unborn babies than prednisone.

Researchers hint at a small increased risk of babies being born with a cleft lip or without a cleft palate when their mothers took corticosteroids in the first trimester of pregnancy. But medical providers need much more hard research to document fetal toxicity and other issues, such as a link to gestational diabetes, related to prednisone.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Increased cortisol from prednisone (and other corticosteroids) can cause adrenal glands to shut down, leading to adrenal atrophy (wasting away) and adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones.

The condition leads to Addison’s disease, a life-threatening episode characterized by low blood pressure, low levels of blood sugar and high levels of potassium.


Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include:

  • Abdominal pain

  • Anorexia or weight loss

  • Body pains

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Headache in the morning

  • Nausea

  • Poor growth and weight gain in children

  • Psychiatric symptoms

Addison’s disease presents when damaged adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol or aldosterone.

Mental Health Side Effects

Early in treatment (within several days), prednisone may increase feelings of well-being, anxiety, hypomania or mild euphoria. With long-term therapy, however, people may develop depression. Psychosis, referred to as corticosteroid-induced psychosis, can occur at doses of 20 mg or more per day with long-term use.

Mental health issues start within 3 to 4 days after starting prednisone therapy, but they can occur at any time. Some people continue to have symptoms, including depression, even after therapy stops.

Children who get prednisone for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), may develop mood fluctuations, depression, manic behavior or euphoria. For most, symptoms go away when therapy concludes.

Prednisone Side Effects in Women and Men

Because corticosteroids, such as prednisone, impact hormones, they can affect men and women differently. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, a serious side effect from prednisone use. And women who are pregnant, who want to get pregnant or who are breastfeeding should not take prednisone.

For men, prednisone can cause erectile dysfunction and change testosterone levels. Some men reported reduced sperm counts and infertility.

Men and women experience similar side effects, including depression, mood swings and stomach pain. But overall, doctors need more research to understand the specific role of gender in reactions to corticosteroids.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Prednisone Side Effects

The best thing you can do to minimize side effects from taking prednisone is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That means eating smart, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep.

While taking prednisone, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and add supplements to your diet.

Once you start on a course of prednisone, pay attention to signals your body sends. Weight gain, fluid retention, nausea, mood swings, sleeplessness and overall weakness are signs to watch. This is especially true for someone on a long-term treatment plan. Exercise helps with fluid retention, depression and high blood sugar.


Tips to help you manage, mitigate and reduce the risk of side effects include:

Fluid retention:
While it might seem counterintuitive, drinking more water helps maintain a proper fluid balance and reduce water retention. But if you notice ankle swelling, speak with your doctor.

Gastrointestinal symptoms:
Take your doses of prednisone with some food in your stomach. If the drugs irritate your stomach, mix in antacids for help.

Infection:
Prednisone and other corticosteroids suppress the immune system, which may need a boost. Stay updated on your vaccines, including an annual flu shot and for long-term vaccines and boosters for shingles, tetanus, pneumonia and COVID-19.

Insomnia:
Before relying on sleeping pills, develop a bedtime routine that includes relaxation techniques, such as guided meditation or deep breathing.

Osteoporosis:
Anyone who takes prednisone should increase their sources of calcium from supplements and food groups to offset bone loss. Peas, beans, lentils, almonds, sesame seeds, amaranth, dark leafy greens (such as collard greens and spinach), broccoli and Brussels sprouts are quality sources of calcium.

Weight gain:
Gaining weight while taking prednisone is a genuine concern, especially because one side effect from the medication is increased appetite. Monitor your food intake and develop a regular exercise routine.

Make time for other things you enjoy: reading, writing, fishing, hiking, dancing, crafting, painting, yoga, Pilates and tai chi can help people find balance. Community centers often have free or inexpensive classes several times a week.

How Prednisone Dosage Impacts Side Effects

Dosage and duration are two aspects of your prednisone prescription that affect the likelihood and severity of side effects.

The higher your dose of prednisone, the more likely you are to notice side effects. The same is true if you must take the medication for longer than 30 days. In fact, most side effects stem from long-term use.

Even if you experience negative side effects, don’t stop taking your prednisone. It is a strong medication, and doctors recommend a gradual step-down approach to end the prescription cycle.

Prednisone Side Effects

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.

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Does prednisone make you sleepy?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 20, 2022.

Prednisone does not usually cause sleepiness but may make you feel dizzy, irritable with mood swings, or cause you to have trouble sleeping (insomnia). If your dose is stopped too quickly or if you take prednisone for a long period of time you may feel severely fatigued. Do not stop taking prednisone unless directed to do so by your doctor. Don’t drive or operate machinery if you feel tired.

Prednisone is often given to treat inflammatory flare-ups of medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, asthma or severe skin rashes. You may feel sleepy or tired while you recover. If your tiredness does not improve, contact your healthcare provider.

What are the most common central nervous system side effects with prednisone?

  • Anxiety

  • Confusion

  • Dizziness

  • Depression

  • Headache

  • Feeling happy or energized

  • “Jittery” or shaky feeling

  • Seizures

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Mood or personality changes

  • Vertigo or a feeling of “spinning”

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have: shortness of breath, severe stomach pain, blood in your stools; black or tar-colored stools, severe depression, severe changes in your personality, mood or behavior; or trouble with your eyes, vision or eye pain.

This is not all the information you need to know about prednisone for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full prednisone product and patient information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

  • U.S. National Library of Medicine. DailyMed. Prednisone tablet. August 2021. Available at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=03228706-92b9-43c9-8d73-c73aa124c58d&audience=consumer [Accessed May 2, 2022].

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Medical Disclaimer

Angioedema – causes, symptoms, treatment (first aid, drugs) of angioedema

Causes

Classification

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prophylaxis

Quincke’s edema, also known as angioedema, is an acute allergic reaction of the immediate type. It is a rapidly emerging swelling of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes in a certain area of ​​the body, most often in the face, neck, genitals. Of particular danger is the defeat of the larynx, which can result in suffocation and death of the patient, as well as swelling of the meninges.

Quincke’s edema requires emergency medical care and often hospitalization of the patient. If there are signs of suffocation, then first of all contact with the allergen is eliminated and resuscitation measures are taken to restore the patency of the airways, then antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids and other drugs are administered.

Reasons

Angioedema is the immune system’s way of responding to exposure to foreign proteins. A special type of leukocytes, mast cells, is involved in its development. When interacting with an allergen, they release biologically active compounds into the blood: histamine, prostaglandins, bradykinin, and others. These substances increase the permeability of blood vessels, due to which the fluid from the bloodstream passes into the surrounding tissues and causes them to swell.

Mast cells are not present everywhere in the body, they are concentrated in the skin, subcutaneous fat, mucous membranes and membranes of internal organs, which explains the damage to certain parts of the body.

Angioedema can be caused by any allergen. More often, the following factors lead to its development:

  • invasive cosmetic procedures involving the injection of a substance;
  • exposure to food allergens;
  • bite of insects or poisonous animals.

    • There is also a non-allergic form of angioedema, inherited at the gene level. As a result of mutations, an absolute or relative deficiency of the C1 esterase inhibitor of the complement system appears, and an increased formation of bradykinin occurs, which increases vascular permeability. An excess of biologically active substances can also be released in the presence of malignant tumors, autoimmune processes, viral, fungal or parasitic infections.

    Classification

    According to the clinical course, Quincke’s edema can be acute, if it lasts from 2 hours to 6 weeks, and chronic, if it lasts more than 1. 5 months.

    More often it appears in isolation, but there is also a form combined with urticaria. Also isolated hereditary angioedema and acquired. It is called idiopathic if the cause of the disease could not be established.

    Symptoms

    Edema occurs suddenly, rapidly, asymmetrically. The skin in the affected area has a pale pink color, the underlying tissues are dense to the touch, painless, when pressed on them, there is no depression left. The patient is rarely worried about itching, more often a feeling of fullness, tingling, burning.

    Symptoms of Quincke’s edema continue to be present from a couple of hours to several days or weeks, after which they usually disappear without a trace.

    With Quincke’s edema, those parts of the body that have a lot of subcutaneous tissue swell:

    • the periorbital region;
    • lips;
    • cheeks;
    • neck;
    • external genitalia;
    • brushes.

    The mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, tongue, larynx, esophagus, intestines, urinary organs are also affected, which disrupts their normal functioning.

    With swelling of the larynx, breathing can be difficult up to asphyxia. The first signs of this process are hoarseness or loss of voice, barking cough. In the future, shortness of breath appears, the skin of the face acquires a bluish tint. The closure of the airway lumen is accompanied by loss of consciousness and, without resuscitation, can lead to death.

    It is more difficult to diagnose an isolated lesion of the digestive organs. With it, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, an admixture of blood and mucus in the feces can be observed, which requires care from the doctor and his ability to distinguish the symptoms of angioedema from surgical pathology and manifestations of poisoning.

    Meningeal edema leads to severe headaches, neck muscle tension, convulsive seizures, nausea, and vomiting.

    Complications

    In addition to asphyxia in the case of damage to the larynx, the disease can lead to other serious complications. Since the liquid leaves the vessels in a significant amount, the volume of circulating blood in them decreases, and as a result, the work of the myocardium suffers.

    Quincke’s edema in adults prone to cardiac pathologies can cause arrhythmia and be fatal. The pathological process in other internal organs with a pronounced violation of their function may be accompanied by the development of coma, renal failure, the picture of “acute abdomen”.

    Diagnosis

    In all cases of angioedema, consultation with an allergist is indicated. Diagnosis of the classical form of the disease with localization on the face, neck, limbs does not cause difficulties due to characteristic symptoms. It is more difficult to identify Quincke’s edema with an isolated lesion of the internal organs or the brain. To do this, it is necessary to conduct laboratory tests, and sometimes instrumental studies.

    To determine the cause of angioedema, the doctor takes a history, specifying the presence of similar allergic reactions in close relatives, the circumstances of the onset of symptoms and their relationship to medication, food, use of cosmetics, insect or animal bites.

    It is also necessary to find out if the patient had any autoimmune or oncological disease, whether he is taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, estrogens.

    Laboratory diagnosis of the disease includes the following tests:

    1. Clinical blood test. With angioedema caused by allergies, the number of eosinophils is increased.
    2. Biochemistry of blood. Analysis is necessary to assess the work of internal organs.
    3. Determination of the level of total IgE in the blood. Its increase testifies in favor of the allergic nature of the development of edema.
    4. Skin tests. Allows you to identify the allergen that caused the swelling.
    5. Determination of the concentration and functional activity of the components of the compliment system. A decrease in the C1 inhibitor indicates a hereditary factor in the development of the disease.
    6. Genetic study, the purpose of which is to search for mutations in the C1NH gene. It is carried out with a burdened family history for the early detection of hereditary Quincke’s edema.

    According to indications, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, gastroscopy, examination of feces for dysbacteriosis, and with swelling of the larynx, laryngoscopy can also be recommended.

    Treatment

    With Quincke’s edema, in the vast majority of cases, emergency hospitalization in the ENT, allergological or therapeutic department is indicated, and resuscitation may be required if complications develop.

    First aid

    What to do with Quincke’s edema, you should find out in advance so as not to get confused at a critical moment and help the person before the doctors arrive. The disease can have severe and life-threatening consequences, so you should immediately call an ambulance team. If the allergen that provoked such an immune response is known, it is necessary to break the contact of the patient with it as soon as possible.

    First aid for angioedema includes the following measures:

    • in case of an insect or animal bite, a pressure bandage is applied to the affected area;
    • when the reaction has occurred after an injection of the drug, cold is applied to the injection site;
    • when symptoms are localized on the face, neck, swelling of the larynx, clothes are unbuttoned, you also need to open the window;
    • in case of ingestion of the allergen, you can drink a sorbent, such as activated charcoal or Smecta.

    The development of Quincke’s edema in children is accompanied by a restless state of the child, screaming and crying, which, in case of manifestations of the disease on the face and in the larynx, can accelerate the onset of asphyxia. Therefore, it is extremely important to calm such a patient and stay close to him until the doctors arrive.

    Inpatient treatment

    Non-drug treatment of angioedema includes a diet containing only foods with a low probability of developing an allergic reaction, limiting the intake of medications that increase the release of biologically active substances into the blood. In case of suffocation, emergency intubation or tracheostomy is performed.

    Angioedema medications are usually administered intravenously or intramuscularly. To stop an allergic reaction, antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids, enterosorbents, solutions to restore the volume of circulating blood, normalize the acid-base and water-electrolyte balance are used.

    In hereditary angioedema, prednisolone and antihistamines are ineffective. In this case, the administration of a C1 inhibitor, fresh frozen native plasma, antifibrinolytic and diuretic drugs, androgens is recommended in the acute period.

    Prevention

    Prevention of angioedema consists in the complete exclusion of contact with substances that cause the development of allergies. Patients with a hereditary nature of the disease are recommended medication preparation before dental procedures and surgical interventions, which should be discussed in advance with an allergist.

    The author of the article:

    Ovsyankina Olga Vladimirovna

    allergist-immunologist

    work experience 11 years

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    • Title
    • Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist2300