5. Physical Triggers: Heat, Cold, and Pressure Oh My!
Ever been out for a winter walk and returned with more than rosy cheeks? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that hot, humid weather turns your skin into a swelling mess. Physical triggers like temperature and pressure changes can be stealthy culprits behind angioedema flare-ups.
Here’s the deal: temperature shifts can mess with the integrity of your skin, making it more susceptible to angioedema. It’s not the temperature itself but the rapid change that triggers symptoms. You step into a warm house from the chilly outdoors, and voila, your skin rebels.
Pressure is another strange but valid trigger. Tight clothing, prolonged sitting or standing—these seemingly mundane actions can activate an angioedema episode. What’s the connection? The pressure exerted on the skin can stimulate mast cells, which then release histamines and cause swelling.
When it comes to angioedema, don’t underestimate the power of the elements and everyday physical triggers. These may seem like small fries in the grand scheme, but they’re no less impactful, proving yet again that when it comes to angioedema, nothing is as simple as it seems. (5)
