Angioedema is a medical condition characterized by swelling beneath the skin, which can occur at many points on the body, including the face, throat, larynx, and uvula. The swelling is caused by a build-up of fluid in the deeper layers of the skin. There are several types of angioedema, including:
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Allergic angioedema: This is the most common type, and it occurs as an allergic reaction to something youve come into contact with, such as food, pollen, animal dander, latex, or insect stings.
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Drug-induced angioedema: Some medications can trigger angioedema, including penicillin, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
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Idiopathic angioedema: This type of angioedema has no known cause and can occur without urticaria (hives). It is chronic and recurrent.
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Hereditary angioedema: This is a rare genetic condition caused by a mutation in the C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-inh) gene. It can cause swelling in the face, hands, trunk, arms, and legs, and can also affect the airways and digestive system.
The symptoms of angioedema can affect any part of the body, but swelling usually affects the hands, feet, eyes, lips, or genitals. Acute allergic and drug-induced angioedema usually happen within an hour of exposure to the trigger, while hereditary and acquired types usually happen over many hours. Treatment for angioedema usually involves medications to ease swelling and inflammation, such as antihistamines and oral corticosteroids.
