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Angioedema

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Angioneurotic edema; Welts

Treatment:

Mild symptoms may not need treatment. Moderate to severe symptoms may need treatment. Breathing difficulty is an emergency condition.

Cool compresses or soaks can provide pain relief.

Medications used to treat angioedema include:

• Antihistamines
• Anti-inflammatory medicines (corticosteroids)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Epinephrine
  • Terbutaline (a bronchodilator)
  • Tranquilizers
• Sedatives

If the person has trouble breathing, seek immediate medical help. See: Breathing difficulties - first aid

At the hospital, a tube may be placed in the throat to keep the airway open.

Expectations (prognosis):

Angioedema that does not affect the breathing may be uncomfortable, but is usually harmless and goes away in a few days.

Complications:

• Life-threatening airway obstruction (if swelling occurs in the throat)
• Anaphylactic reaction

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have never had angioedema before, if it is severe, or does not respond to treatment.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if difficulty breathing, wheezing, stridor, or fainting occurs with an episode of angioedema.

References:

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

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

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

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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