Definition
Angioedema is a common condition that involves swelling beneath the surface of the skin with or without redness. Angioedema can occur around the eyelids and lips, or on the face, hands, feet, or genitalia. Since this condition can cause swelling of the airways, it is important that you seek medical care if you think you have angioedema.
Causes
Angioedema is often associated with urticaria (hives). It can be caused by:
- Foods (eg, strawberries, pineapple, shellfish, nuts, alcohol)
- Food additives (eg, benzoates, dyes)
- Medications (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ACE inhibitors, ARB inhibitors, penicillin, aspirin, morphine)
- Infection
- Inhaled substances (eg, pollens, mold spores, animal dander)
- Certain diseases (eg, hyperthyroidism , cancer , rheumatic fever )
- Environment (eg, cold, heat, water)
- Skin contact with plants, animals, or medications
- Skin disease
- Genetic predisposition
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following risk factors increase your chance of developing angioedema. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
Age: 30-60 years old
Other conditions:
Asthma
Eczema
Hives
Gender: female
Drinking alcohol
Taking NSAIDs drugs
Emotional stress
Hyperthyroidism
Menstruation
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to angioedema. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Large swellings with indistinct borders around the eyelids and lips
Lesions on the face, trunk, genitalia, and extremities
Swelling of the hands and feet
Swelling of the throat
Abdominal pain
Rash that is not itchy
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Blood tests
Urine tests
Skin tests
Throat culture
Stool sample
Abdominal ultrasound a test that uses sound waves to examine the abdomen
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Minor episodes of angioedema may need no treatment, but it is important to make sure the swelling does not spread to the airway, which can be life-threatening. Treatment options include the following:
MedicationsCertain medications (eg, antihistamines, epinephrine, corticosteroids, and pain medications) may help ease symptoms of angioedema.
Tracheostomy If your airway is affected, your doctor may place a tube in your throat to keep your airway open.
Tracheostomy Tube
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of developing this condition, avoid substances or triggers that have brought on hives or angioedema in the past.
RESOURCES:
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
http://www.acaai.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
http://www.aafa.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english
Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
http://csaci.medical.org
References:
Angioedema. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic101.htm . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Beltrani VS. Angioedema: some "new" thoughts regarding idiopathic angioedema. In: Greaves MW, Kaplan AP, eds. Urticaria and angioedema. Marcel Dekker. New York, NY; 2004:421.
Lin RY, Cannon AG, Teitel AD. Pattern of hospitalizations for angioedema in New York between 1990 and 2003. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005;95:159
Urticaria/angioedema. EBSCO Dynamed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Last reviewed February 2008 by Jill Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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