What Is Angioedema? Defining Angioedema

Updated
Updated

What is angioedema?

Angioedema is a rapid swelling that occurs beneath the skin, most commonly around the eyes and lips. It is often caused by an allergic reaction, and can also have genetic factors.

Get started
Wyndly Allergy

Beat your allergies forever.

Get Started With Wyndly

What is angioedema and definition of angioedema

What is angioedema?

Angioedema is a swelling that occurs beneath the skin, often around the eyes and lips, but can also involve the hands, feet, and throat. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction or hereditary factors.

What are the symptoms of angioedema?

Symptoms of angioedema include swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. Angioedema caused by an allergic reaction may also be accompanied by hives.

How is angioedema diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose angioedema by physical examination and medical history. Blood and urine tests may also be performed to determine the underlying cause of the swelling. In some cases, imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans may also be ordered.

What are the common causes of angioedema?

Angioedema can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or insect stings. It can also be caused by hereditary factors or an underlying medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder or thyroid disease.

How is angioedema treated?

Treatment for angioedema depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases may be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids. In severe cases, epinephrine or a similar medication may be given. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing.

What is the difference between angioedema and hives?

Angioedema is a swelling that occurs beneath the skin, while hives are raised, red, and itchy welts that appear on the skin's surface. Both conditions can be caused by an allergic reaction.

Can angioedema be caused by non-allergic triggers?

Yes, angioedema can also be caused by non-allergic triggers such as medications, physical factors (pressure, cold), and infections.

What is the treatment for angioedema caused by an allergic reaction?

The treatment for angioedema caused by an allergic reaction includes antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Can angioedema be prevented in individuals with a history of allergies?

Angioedema can be prevented by avoiding known allergens that trigger the condition. Individuals with a history of severe allergies should also carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

Related Articles About Allergies

How Effective Is Allergy Desensitization?

Do Seasonal Allergies Cause Nosebleeds?

Can You Get Dust Mites Bites? And How to Get Rid of Dust Mites

Can Allergies Make You Lose Your Voice?

Hives and Rashes: Symptoms and Treatments

Why You Can’t Sleep Because of Allergies

Can You Get An Ear Infection From Allergies?

Allergen Avoidance in Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

The Science Behind Allergies and Gut Immunology

Can You Get Fluid in Ears From Allergies?

What Is a Sneeze (Sternutation)?

Natural Remedies for Cat Allergies in Humans

Key Signs to Tell if You Have a Cold or Allergies

Best Home Remedies to Stop Allergy Sneezing Attacks

Can I Take 2 Allergy Pills in 24 Hours? How to Safely Use Allergy Meds

Do Allergies Cause Ear Pain?

What Is an Immunologist? And What You Should Expect?

How to Get Rid of Pet Dander

24 Hour Allergy Medicine Not Working Anymore

Are Allergies Inherited?

Why Does Grass Make You Itchy?

Can Allergies Cause Dry Throat? Symptoms and Remedies

The Best States for Allergy Sufferers - Find Out Where to Live

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause High Blood Pressure?

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck?

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Joint Pain?

Do You Need a Referral to See an Allergist?

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for November Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for March Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for April Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for May Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for October Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for December Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for January Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for February Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for June Allergies

How Common Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome Allergic Reactions

What Should You Take For an Allergic Reaction?

How Long Does Allergy Medicine Take To Work?

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for July Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for August Allergies

Facts, Prevention, and Relief for September Allergies

Do Allergies Make You Cough?

Can Allergies Cause A Sore Throat? What You Need to Know

How Long Do Allergic Reactions Last? Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Do Allergies Cause Fever?

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Medication for Allergy Asthma

Can Allergies Cause a Scratchy Throat?

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Medication for Allergy Hives

Diagnosis, Prevention, and Medication for Allergy Rash

Do Allergies Cause Chest Congestion?

Can Allergies Cause Headaches? What You Need to Know

Best Ways to Increase Sublingual Absorption Rate

Do Allergies Cause Ear Pain?

Can Allergies Cause Shortness of Breath? What You Need to Know

Do Allergies Cause Congestion?

Why Are My Allergies Worse at Night?

What Are The Dangers of Oral Allergy Syndrome?

Allergies and Ear Pain: Signs, Diagnosis, and Relief

Allergy Wheezing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Can Ear Infections Be Contagious? What You Need to Know

What Are Allergic Shiners? Everything You Need to Know

Do Allergies Cause Chest Pain and Tightness?

Allergies and Vertigo: Do Allergies Cause Dizziness?

Can Allergies Cause Chest Tightness?

Allergies and Acne: Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Acne?

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection): Types, Diagnosis, and Remedies

Is A Sinus Infection Contagious? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Are Body Aches a Symptom of Allergies? What You Need to Know

Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes? What You Need to Know

How to Stop Itchy Eyes From Allergies: What You Need to Know

What Causes Watery Eyes? What You Need to Know

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Dry Mouth? What You Need to Know

Can Allergies Cause Anxiety? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Allergies and Nosebleeds: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Is A Sinus Infection Contagious? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection): Types, Diagnosis, and Remedies

Are Body Aches a Symptom of Allergies? What You Need to Know

How to Stop Itchy Eyes From Allergies: What You Need to Know

Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes? What You Need to Know

What Causes Watery Eyes? What You Need to Know

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Dry Mouth? What You Need to Know

Can Allergies Cause Anxiety? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Allergies and Nosebleeds: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Is Anaphylaxis? Everything You Need to Know

What Is Postnasal Drip? Diagnosis, Home Remedies, and Relief

What Are Mucus and Phlegm? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Can Allergies Cause Nausea? What You Need to Know

What Is Allergic Rhinitis? Everything You Need to Know

What Is Antihistamine? Defining Antihistamine

What Is Expectorant? Defining Expectorant

What Is Dermatitis? Defining Dermatitis

What Is Nasal Spray? Defining Nasal Spray

What Is Drug Allergy? Defining Drug Allergy

What Is Azelastine? Defining Azelastine

What Is Allergist? Defining Allergist

What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome? Defining Oral Allergy Syndrome

What Is A Cypress Tree? Defining Cypress Tree

What Is Terbutaline? Defining Terbutaline

Is Wyndly right for you?

Answer just a few questions and we'll help you find out.

Get Started Today