Angioedema

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Angioedema

Alternative Names:

Angioneurotic edema; Welts

Symptoms:

Sudden development of red welts
- Welts are usually on the eyes and mouth, but may be on the hands, feet, or in the throat
- Welts are itchy or painful
- Turn pale and swell if irritated
Swollen eyes and mouth
Abdominal cramping
Difficulty breathing
Chemosis (swollen lining of the eyes)

Signs and tests:

The doctor will look at your skin and ask you if you have been exposed to any irritating substances. A physical exam might show stridor (crowing sound when inhaling) if the throat is affected.

Rarely, allergy testing may be performed to determine the causative allergen.

References:

Kaplan AP. Angioedema. J Am Acad Dermatol. Sept 2005; 53(3): 373-88.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. 2004:129.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1623.

Review Date: 10/31/2005
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.