Itchy face and neck.

I am not sure if I am posting this on the correct community but today I woke up with a semi-swollen reddish face and itchy red neck.  Together with this, I have phlegm-y throat that's been going on since forever and sometimes I also have shortness of breath and my left arm numbs and ache every now and then.  What's wrong with me?  Help pls!

[Leinadra]

Now I am starting to have hoarse voice too.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

your symptoms could be due to Angioedema, which  is swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. The swelling is often severe and is caused by a build-up of fluid. The symptoms of angioedema can affect any part of the body. Many people with angioedema also have another condition called urticaria, which is also known as hives. This is a raised, red and itchy rash that appears on the skin. Angioedema is of four types allergic, idiopathic, drug induced and hereditary. So, Allergy testing may be worth looking into.

Therapy is based on the cause. Anti histamines from the mainstay of therapy for the symptoms. Though short courses of steroids are given for more severe symptoms. As you have developed breathlessness, I would advise you to contact your doctor at the earliest or go to the ER. In the meantime, take OTC antihistamines like Benadryl.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Leinadra]

The itch has been gone, but now I am coughing and having hoarse voice.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

You could most probably be suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma. Both these diseases are usually triggered by an allergen. These allergens, when exposed to initiate immune mediated reactions which will result in the symptoms you experience. The allergic history usually runs in families.

So, the problem can be tackled at three levels.

At the allergen level, where you can consult an allergy specialist, who after doing some skin tests, will be able to specify some allergens. You can either avoid exposure to these allergens or desensitize yourself.

The second level is prevention of the attacks. For this, there are steroidal sprays for allergic rhinitis and steroidal inhalers for asthma. The steroid content is very minimal in both, sprays and inhalers and long-term use will prevent attacks.

When you have an attack, you can use an antihistamine (like Cetzine) for allergic rhinitis. For wheezing, during the attacks, you can use Asthalin.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Leinadra]

Hello.  I got my chest x-ray today and I have pneumonia.  What's the best solution to get rid of this?  I am also currently taking cough medicine.  Should I stop it so the phlegm will go out better?

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

For pneumonia, you will need to take antibiotics to tackle the infection. Taking this medication for the required amount of days may help to clear the infection. Besides, anti inflammatory medications can help with the symptoms. Cough medicine can be an expectorant or a cough suppressant. The expectorant can help to liquefy the mucous and bring it out. The suppressant, suppresses dry cough. Try to take warm oral fluids and do steam inhalations prior to your meals. This helps to loosen up and bring out the secretions.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.