If you have allergies, you may notice that your eyes or lips may become puffy or swollen. This is a condition called angioedema. Angioedema is swelling in the deep layers of your skin and mucous membranes. It's like hives, which it often occurs with. But angioedema doesn't cause your skin to itch. Hives cause itching. The swelling you have with angioedema is caused by leaky blood vessels. Part of your blood, called plasma, leaks into the tissue under your skin and mucus membranes. This causes these tissues to swell.
Allergic Reaction: AngioedemaIf you have allergies, you may notice that your eyes or lips may become puffy or swollen. This is a condition called angioedema. Angioedema is swelling in the deep layers of your skin and mucous membranes. It's like hives, which it often occurs with. But angioedema doesn't cause your skin to itch. Hives cause itching. The swelling you have with angioedema is caused by leaky blood vessels. Part of your blood, called plasma, leaks into the tissue under your skin and mucus membranes. This causes these tissues to swell.If angioedema comes on quickly, it can block your airway. This can cause breathing problems and even death. If you have new swelling on your face or in your mouth that comes on suddenly, or if you have trouble breathing, call 911 right away.CausesAngioedema is usually triggered by an allergic reaction to foods such as eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts and fruits, venom, such as from insect stings or bites, pollen, animal dander, allergy shots (immunotherapy), latex, or medicine. An overactive immune system can also cause angioedema. Infections and injury can also cause it in some people, as can cold, heat, and exposure to the sun.Angioedema can run in families. This is called hereditary angioedema. This form of angioedema is rare but it's often more serious than other types. It usually involves the hands, feet, gut, and airway.About half of the time, the cause of angioedema is unknown. It usually goes away on its own.SymptomsSome of the symptoms you may get with angioedema include swelling in the face, mouth, tongue, back of the throat, vocal cords, and genitals, swelling of the hands, feet, and belly. Burning or pain in the swollen areas. And slight redness of the swollen areas. Your symptoms may happen suddenly and they may be scary. If your airway is affected, you may have a hard time breathing. If your gut is involved, you may have belly pain and swelling. You may also get diarrhea, or feel nauseated.DiagnosisYour healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and whether anything may have triggered your symptoms. It's important to tell your provider if you have any family members with similar problems. During your exam, your provider will look at how far the swelling has spread and whether you also have hives. Your airway and gut may be checked for swelling. In some cases, you may need tests to rule out other problems. Your provider may also test for hereditary angioedema.TreatmentThe treatment of angioedema depends on its cause and the severity of your symptoms. Often it's treated with medicines called antihistamines. You may also be given corticosteroids. These are medicines that reduce swelling.If you have severe angioedema and are having trouble breathing, you need immediate emergency care. You will get epinephrine, a type of adrenalin. You may also need a breathing tube. Blood plasma products and certain other medicines may be used if you have hereditary angioedema. You may also be given pain medicines, fluids, and oxygen.If an infection caused your angioedema, it will also be treated.Once your angioedema has been treated, the next step is to make sure it doesn't come back. Medicines may be recommended if your angioedema is severe. Because of their side effects, some of these medicines are not recommended for everyone.Things to rememberAngioedema is swelling of the deep layers of the skin and mucous membranes. The cause of angioedema is often unknown. Although rare, angioedema can be fatal. Seek urgent medical attention if you have swelling around your mouth and tongue, or have any trouble breathing.What we have learnedAngioedema is never fatal. True or false? The answer is false. If angioedema blocks your airway, it can cause death if not treated right away.Swelling in the face, mouth, and genitals is a symptom of angioedema. True or false? The answer is true. It can also affect your gut and airway.
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2021
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