Overview
Angioedema is sudden swelling beneath the skin or mucous membranes, often affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, or extremities. It can occur due to allergic reactions, medication side effects, or hereditary conditions. Severe cases can be life-threatening if they block the airway.
Symptoms
Rapid swelling of skin and tissues, especially around eyes, lips, or hands Swelling of the tongue or throat Difficulty breathing or swallowing Pain or warmth in affected areas Abdominal pain in some cases
Causes
Allergic reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications Non-allergic drug reactions (e.g., ACE inhibitors) Hereditary angioedema due to genetic mutations Autoimmune diseases Unknown (idiopathic angioedema)
Diagnosis
Medical history and symptom review Physical examination Allergy testing Blood tests for C1 esterase inhibitor levels (for hereditary forms) Elimination trials to identify triggers
Treatment
Antihistamines for allergic angioedema Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation Epinephrine injection for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) Discontinuing medications that trigger swelling For hereditary angioedema: C1 esterase inhibitor replacement therapy Bradykinin pathway inhibitors
Complications
Airway obstruction and suffocation Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) Recurrent episodes affecting quality of life
Prevention
Avoid known triggers (foods, drugs, insect stings) Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if at risk of severe reactions Wear medical identification Regular monitoring for hereditary angioedema