Angioedema occurs when there is swelling in the area beneath your skin, leading to puffiness, often caused by an allergic reaction. The swelling may occur in your face, eyelids, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, or genitals.
If you have angioedema, it is important to be treated by a specialist who understands the condition and can make a proper diagnosis. Understanding the root cause of your angioedema leads to more effective treatment. The allergy specialists at UPMC offer expert diagnostic testing and treatment for children and adults with angioedema.
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What Is Angioedema?
Angioedema is swelling around your face, eyelids, ears, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, or genitals. It is often caused by an allergic reaction.
What is the difference between angioedema and hives?
Angioedema may look similar to hives, but the conditions are not the same.
Urticaria (hives) are red, raised patches of skin that are very itchy and affect only the top layer of skin. Angioedema affects the deeper layers and tissues of the body. Some people who get angioedema also get hives.
What are the types of angioedema?
Types of angioedema include:
- Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency — Develops during your lifetime and can be caused by conditions such as B-cell lymphoma.
- Acute allergic angioedema — The most common type of angioedema, caused by an allergic reaction to something you have come into contact with by eating or drinking, taking medication, touching, or being stung or bitten.
- Hereditary angioedema — A rare genetic disorder inherited from your biological parents.
- Idiopathic angioedema — Angioedema with no known cause.
- Non-allergic drug reaction — Caused by taking certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, antibiotics, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
- Vibratory angioedema — Caused by repeated vibrations from riding a motorcycle, using power tools, running, or other activities.
How common is angioedema?
About 10% to 20% of people will have angioedema at some point during their lifetime. However, hereditary angioedema is rare and affects about 1 in 50,000 people.
What causes angioedema?
Allergic reactions occur when your immune system becomes oversensitive and overreacts to harmless foreign substances called allergens. When your immune system overreacts, your body releases chemicals called histamines that may cause angioedema.
The most common cause of angioedema is an allergic reaction to animal dander, foods, beverages, insect stings or bites, latex, or pollen.
Other causes of angioedema may include:
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Exercise.
- Exposure to hot or cold temperatures.
- Exposure to water or sunlight.
- Infections.
- Medications, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, or ACE inhibitors.
- Hereditary angioedema.
Angioedema risk factors
You may be at higher risk of angioedema if you:
Complications of angioedema
Sometimes, people have symptoms of angioedema when they are having a dangerous allergic reaction. Dial 911 if you suddenly have puffiness or hives and other symptoms, including:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Stomach cramps or pain.
- Tightness in your throat.
- Trouble breathing.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Passing out.
How can I prevent angioedema?
You can lower your chances of getting angioedema by avoiding foods, medicines, or insects that cause you to have allergic reactions. If you get angioedema often, your doctor might recommend that you take antihistamines every day or take other steps to manage your allergies.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Angioedema?
Signs and symptoms of angioedema include:
- Large, thick, firm welts.
- Pain or warmth in the affected areas.
- Swelling and redness.
When should I see a doctor about my angioedema symptoms?
If you have symptoms of angioedema, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you find the cause of your angioedema, so you can manage your condition.
If you are having severe angioedema symptoms — such as difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, or passing out — dial 911.
How Do You Diagnose Angioedema?
To diagnose angioedema, your doctor will examine your welts or areas of swelling and take a careful medical history to identify possible causes.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects angioedema, they will:
- Perform a physical exam.
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Ask about your medical history and medications.
- Order skin and/or blood tests.
Tests to diagnose angioedema
Your doctor may order tests to diagnose angioedema, including:
- Blood tests for allergies — Blood tests measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that are specific to certain allergens. Although blood tests are not as exact as skin tests, your doctor may use them in combination with skin tests to diagnose and treat your allergy.
- Blood tests for hereditary angioedema — If your doctor suspects you have hereditary angioedema, he or she may order a blood test to check for specific blood proteins.
- Skin testing for allergies — Also called scratch testing, skin testing exposes your skin to small amounts of allergy-causing substances (allergens). It can identify allergy triggers, such as dust mites, pets, pollen, latex, and mold.
Angioedema prognosis
Most cases of angioedema are uncomfortable but harmless and disappear in a few days with home treatment. However, if angioedema happens often, you should see a doctor to help you find the cause. Angioedema that causes severe swelling or breathing problems will require emergency care.
How Do You Treat Angioedema?
The goals of angioedema treatment are to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Treatment options for angioedema depend on the cause of your symptoms.
Treatment for angioedema caused by allergies
The treatment for your angioedema depends on the cause and the severity of your reaction. If your angioedema is severe, you will need to be treated in a hospital right away.
If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment or be able to manage them at home. Treatment options for angioedema caused by allergies may include:
Patient education for angioedema
Our specialists offer the education and information you need to manage your angioedema, including recommendations for avoiding triggers, managing medications, and preventing allergic reactions.
Lifestyle changes
Try to determine what triggers your symptoms and learn how to avoid them. If your angioedema is a reaction to a medicine you took, your doctor will switch you to a different medicine.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat allergic angioedema symptoms, including:
- Antihistamines — Your doctor may recommend that you take medications called antihistamines. These are the same medicines people take for seasonal allergies and are available over the counter or by prescription.
- Injectable epinephrine — This injectable medication can be used to treat severe allergic reactions.
- Steroids — Steroids can help with itching and reduce swelling. Steroids can be given orally in pill or liquid form, or intravenously (usually in the hospital) to treat severe allergic reactions. Do not take steroids for longer than you need because they can cause serious side effects.
Treatment for hereditary angioedema
If you have hereditary angioedema, you may have repeated angioedema attacks that include belly pain or swelling in your throat. These attacks usually go away after 2-5 days, but they can become dangerous if the swelling in your throat causes breathing problems. You can be tested for hereditary angioedema and treated with medications that reduce your risk of flare-ups.
Why Choose UPMC for Angioedema Care?
When you choose UPMC for angioedema care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class allergy and immunology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat all types of allergic conditions using the latest approaches and therapies.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer evidence-based allergy treatments that improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with primary care providers, ear, nose, and throat specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your quality of life.
