Patient education: Angioedema (The Basics)

What is angioedema? — 

This is a condition that causes puffiness in the tissue under the skin. It can involve swelling of the face, eyelids, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, or genitals (picture 1 and picture 2).

Some people who get angioedema also get hives (figure 1). These are raised patches of skin that are very itchy (picture 3).

Different things can cause angioedema. Sometimes, it is a sign of a serious allergic reaction.

What can cause angioedema? — 

Certain medicines can cause angioedema, including:

●Medicines called "ACE inhibitors" – These are used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease. They include enalapril, captopril, and lisinopril. People who get angioedema because of these medicines usually don't have hives or itching.

●Over-the-counter medicines for pain and fever – These include NSAID medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (sample brand names: Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Antibiotics – People who get angioedema because of antibiotics usually also have hives, trouble breathing, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Another cause of angioedema is an allergic reaction. If you get angioedema for the first time, it might be because you have a new allergy to something. Allergic reactions to these things can cause angioedema:

●Insect stings

●Foods, such as eggs, nuts, fish, or shellfish

●Something you touched, such as a plant, animal saliva, or latex

●Exercise

Allergic reactions usually cause other symptoms as well as angioedema. These include hives, trouble breathing, and other problems.

Angioedema can also be caused by rare diseases that sometimes run in families. An example is "hereditary angioedema." This causes repeated attacks of angioedema, belly pain, or swelling in the throat. The attacks last 2 to 5 days, and then get better. The disease is serious because swelling in the throat can cut off air supply. If you and other people in your family have angioedema, see a doctor for testing and treatment.

Sometimes, doctors don't know the cause of angioedema.

Is there a test for angioedema? — 

It depends. There are tests for angioedema caused by allergies and for hereditary angioedema. But there are no tests for most of the other causes of angioedema. Your doctor or nurse can often tell if you have angioedema by asking about your symptoms.

How is angioedema treated? — 

The treatment depends on the cause and how serious your symptoms are:

●If you get angioedema because of a dangerous allergic reaction, you need to be treated in a hospital right away. There, the staff will give you treatments to stop the allergic reaction and help your symptoms.

●If your symptoms are mild, you might not need treatment. But try to figure out if anything triggered your symptoms. If so, you need to avoid that trigger.

●Your doctor might recommend you take "antihistamine" medicines. These are the same medicines people take for seasonal allergies.

●Your doctor might also prescribe "steroid" medicines. These can help with itching and reduce swelling. But do not take steroids for longer than you need them, because they can cause serious side effects.

●If you got angioedema because of a medicine, your doctor will switch you to a different medicine.

Can angioedema be prevented? — 

You can lower your chances of getting angioedema by avoiding foods, medicines, or insects that make you have an allergic reaction. If you get angioedema a lot, your doctor might recommend taking antihistamines every day.

When should I call for help? — 

Call for emergency help (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you suddenly have puffiness or hives, plus any of the following:

●Trouble breathing

●Throat tightness

●Trouble swallowing saliva

●Nausea and vomiting

●Cramps or stomach pain

●Passing out

These symptoms can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

More on this topic

Patient education: Angioedema caused by ACE inhibitor medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Hives (The Basics)
Patient education: Insect bites and stings (The Basics)
Patient education: Food allergy (The Basics)
Patient education: Peanut, tree nut, and seed allergy (The Basics)
Patient education: Anaphylaxis (The Basics)

Patient education: Hives (urticaria) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bee and insect stings (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Food allergy symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Food allergen avoidance (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Anaphylaxis symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Anaphylaxis treatment and prevention of recurrences (Beyond the Basics)