Angioedema is a type of swelling that develops beneath the skin and commonly affects areas such as the lips, eyelids, face, hands, feet, or tongue. It can occur alongside hives or appear on its own. Allergic reactions to foods, medicines, insect bites, and other substances are possible triggers, while some medications and inherited conditions can also cause angioedema.
Common Symptoms of Angioedema
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and the part of the body affected.
Common signs include:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyelids, or face.
- Swelling of the hands or feet.
- Swelling around the genitals.
- Hives or an itchy raised rash.
- Stomach pain when swelling affects the bowel.
- Tightness or discomfort in affected areas.
Angioedema can occur with hives, although some people experience swelling without an obvious skin rash.
Possible Causes and Triggers
Several factors can cause or trigger angioedema.
Potential causes include:
- Food allergies.
- Reactions to certain medications.
- Insect stings.
- Other allergic reactions.
- ACE inhibitor medications.
- Hereditary angioedema.
- Idiopathic angioedema, where no specific cause is identified.
- Certain underlying medical conditions.
Hereditary angioedema is a rare condition that can cause recurring swelling and may affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, face, or airway.
When Angioedema Can Be Serious
Most importantly, swelling involving the airway requires immediate attention.
Emergency warning signs include:
- Sudden swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, or throat.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Wheezing or gasping.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- A tight feeling in the throat.
- Severe dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
- Pale, blue, or gray lips or skin.
These symptoms can indicate a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis and require emergency medical treatment.
How Angioedema Is Evaluated
Healthcare professionals may consider the person's symptoms, medical history, medications, possible allergies, and pattern of recurring episodes when determining the likely cause.
For recurring or unexplained swelling, further evaluation may be recommended to identify conditions such as hereditary angioedema or medication-related reactions.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the swelling. Mild cases may sometimes resolve without treatment, while allergic forms may be treated with antihistamines. Severe swelling affecting the airway requires emergency medical care. Identifying and avoiding a known trigger may also help prevent future episodes.
Angioedema can cause sudden swelling of the skin and deeper tissues, with the lips, face, eyes, hands, feet, and tongue among the commonly affected areas. Allergies, medications, hereditary conditions, and unknown causes can all contribute to episodes. Because throat or tongue swelling can interfere with breathing, recognizing emergency warning signs is especially important. Anyone experiencing sudden airway swelling or breathing difficulty should seek emergency medical care immediately. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace evaluation or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.