Angioedema may become serious and even life-threatening if it occurs in the throat, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.
This article explains the symptoms and possible causes of angioedema.
It also covers diagnosis and treatment options for the condition.
SaevichMikalai / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Angioedema Symptoms
Angioedema is swelling under the skin that often happens as an allergic reaction.
Swelling can last for several hours to days.
By contrast, angioedema occurs in thesubcutaneous tissuebeneath the outermost layers.
As such, it causes a deeper, generalized swelling that tends to last longer than hives.
Histamineand bradykinin each cause blood vessels to dilate.
This can affect all organ systems, including the skin, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract..
While HAE can be triggered by stress or injury, most attacks have no known cause.
HAE is rare, occurring in only one in 50,000 people worldwide.
It is most often suspected when antihistamines or corticosteroids fail to provide the relief of symptoms.
Angioedema Treatment
Among the best ways to prevent future attacks is to avoid any known trigger.
Fluid builds and vessels dilate in the lower layer of tissue under the skin or mucous membranes.
Angioedema symptoms can be severe or recurrent but are rarely life-threatening.
Swelling can last for several hours to days.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include steroids, antihistamines, and the avoidance of known triggers.
Tarbox JA, Bansal A, Peiris AN.Angioedema.JAMA.
2017;10(1):15. doi:10.1186/s12245-017-0141-z
MedlinePlus.Hereditary angioedema.
2023;21(11):1283-1289. doi:10.1111/ddg.15154
Merck Manual Professional Version.Angioedema.
Drugs.com.Comparing Firazyr vs Kalbitor.
Riedl MA.Critical appraisal of androgen use in hereditary angioedema: a systematic review.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol.
2015;114(4):281-288.e7.
2014 May;133(5):1270-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2014.02.036
