Angioedema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Strategies

Angioedema is a lesser-known yet potentially serious health condition that causes sudden swelling beneath the skin. Whether triggered by allergies, medications, or inherited conditions, angioedema can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening airway obstruction. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management.

This article will explore everything about angioedema, from identifying risk factors to exploring prevention strategies.

What is Angioedema?

Angioedema is a medical condition marked by sudden swelling beneath the skin or mucous membranes, commonly affecting the face, lips, eyes, throat, and sometimes limbs or genitals. It occurs when fluid builds up in the deeper layers of the skin due to allergic reactions, hereditary factors, or unknown causes. While the condition is often temporary and harmless, severe cases may involve swelling in the airway, posing serious health risks.

Angioedema definition refers to localized swelling that typically appears in soft tissues. It may accompany urticaria (hives) or occur independently. The swelling may develop rapidly and usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours.

What Causes Angioedema?

There are several reasons for angioedema, ranging from allergic reactions to genetic disorders:

1. Foods: Certain foods can act as triggers for individuals with sensitivities. These include shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, eggs, and milk.
2. Medications: Several medications are known to cause angioedema, including penicillins, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors.
3. Airborne Allergens: Pollen and other inhaled allergens can trigger an allergic response.
4. Insect Bites and Infections: Bites from insects and certain infections are also common causes of acute hives and angioedema.
5. Physical Triggers: Stress, infections, temperature changes, and trauma can also trigger swelling.

Who is at Risk of Angioedema?

Angioedema can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, certain individuals are more likely to experience it due to specific medical or genetic conditions. For example:

• People with a family history of hereditary angioedema
• Individuals taking ACE inhibitors
• Those with a history of allergic conditions such as hay fever or asthma
• People who have frequent exposure to allergens

What are the Symptoms of Angioedema?

The signs of angioedema can differ depending on the part of the body it affects. Some symptoms may be mild, while others may require urgent medical attention. Common symptoms include:

1. Swelling: Commonly affects the face, eyelids, and lips. Some people may experience swelling in the bottom lip, while others may experience it in the upper lip. The affected regions may feel warm or mildly painful.
2. Abdominal Pain: Often seen in hereditary angioedema, it may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
3. Skin Rash or Hives: This happens when angioedema occurs with urticaria.
4. Swollen Tongue and Throat: It may cause trouble breathing or swallowing, which requires urgent medical care.

How is Angioedema Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose angioedema through:

1. Physical Examination: Observing the swelling and reviewing the patient’s medical history helps in identifying angioedema.
2. Blood Tests: In suspected hereditary cases, these tests assess C1 inhibitor levels and function.
3. Allergy Tests: Skin or blood tests are performed to detect potential allergens that may be triggering the symptoms.
4. Response to Treatment: Diagnosis may also involve evaluating how the swelling responds to medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Treatment Strategies and Prevention

While treatment varies based on the cause, several strategies can help manage and reduce the recurrence of angioedema:

1. Avoid Known Triggers: Individuals with a history of angioedema should try to avoid allergens or irritants that have previously caused swelling.
2. Bathe and Change Clothes After Allergen Exposure: If pollen or animal contact has triggered hives or angioedema in the past, taking a bath or shower and changing clothes after exposure can help reduce the risk of a reaction.
3. Read Medication Labels Carefully: Those sensitive to certain drugs like ACE inhibitors, ibuprofen, or penicillin should avoid them and consult a doctor for alternatives.
4. Avoid Allergenic Foods: People with food-related angioedema should avoid items like shellfish, peanuts, eggs, or milk if they have known sensitivities.
5. Follow Prescribed Medications: In more severe or hereditary cases of angioedema, doctors may prescribe oral corticosteroids, immune-suppressing drugs, or medications that regulate blood protein levels to help manage symptoms.

If someone is experiencing unexplained or recurring swelling, they must immediately consult a doctor. The doctor may recommend an Allergy Panel Test or a C1 Esterase Inhibitor Test to identify underlying causes.

To monitor allergies or related health conditions, download the Dr Lal PathLabs app for easy test booking and lab access.

FAQs

1. What is angioedema?
Angioedema is a rapid, short-term swelling that occurs beneath the surface of the skin, typically triggered by allergic reactions, medications, or hereditary factors. It commonly affects the face, lips, or throat.

2. Is angioedema dangerous?
In most cases, it is not dangerous. However, if the swelling affects the throat or airway, it can become a medical emergency.

3. What are some foods to avoid with angioedema?
While it varies by individual, common culprits include shellfish, nuts, eggs, milk, and processed foods with additives.