Angioedema - Medtick
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Angioedema

What is it?

Angioedema is swelling underneath the skin. It’s usually a reaction to a trigger, such as a medication or something you’re allergic to.

  • Angioedema occurs in the subcutaneous tissue beneath the outermost layers of skin (called the dermis and epidermis).
  • It causes a deeper, generalized swelling that tends to last longer than hives.
  • It isn’t normally serious, but it can be a recurring problem for some people and can very occasionally be life-threatening if it affects breathing (affect throat or windpipe)
  • Treatment can usually help keep the swelling under control.

Triggers:

The reactions and hormones involved are mast cell activation which release histamine in the body causing symptoms (what causes this activation is still fully unknown), its very similar to an allergic reaction but on the skin causing swelling and hives.

(Antigen is the trigger i.e. medication- see causes)

Schematic diagram illustrating the binding of antigens and cross-linking of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-receptor complexes on the mast cell membrane. This event triggers a cascade within the cell that results in the synthesis and release of leukotrienes and prostaglandins, as well as degranulation, which releases histamine, chemical mediators and other factors.

Diagnosis Tests

Angioedema activity score (AAS): in patients with angioedema:

  • The patient responds to an opening question and five additional questions on the severity of their symptoms over the past 24 hours.
  • Results are combined over a seven-day period.
  • Each item is scored between 0 and 3 points, with final weekly scores ranging between 0 and 105.
  • A higher score indicates greater disease severity.

Weller K, Groffik A, Magerl M et al. Development, validation, and initial results of the angioedema activity score. Allergy 2013;68:1185-1192. doi: 10.1111/all.12209

Cause

Allergy angioedema (release histamine and/or bradykinin in the body)

Drug angioedema (affect bradykinin levels in the body)

Medication

Vitamins, Herbals and minerals

Hereditary angioedema

Acquired angioedema

  • Autoimmune interference with C1 inhibitor enzyme function (where the immune system interferes with this enzyme function)

Disease related:

Unknown reason:

  • Infection
  • Anxiety
  • hot or cold temperatures
  • Strenuous exercise (this condition does not usually cause urticaria or skin itching)
  • Exercise Induced Asthma
  • Vibration of machinery

NHS Choices

Symptoms

  • Burning, tingling, or numb sensation?
  • Symptoms develop within minutes to hours and last from hours to days?
  • Swelling can occur on one or more places:
    • Area around the eyes (swollen and/or sticky and/or watery eye and/or may not be able to open)?
    • Lips and tongue?
    • Hands?
    • Genitals?
    • Feet?
  • Blanching: affected skin to become pale for a few seconds when you press on it and then to return to its pink or reddish colour?
  • Nausea?
  • Diarrhoea?
  • Itchy rash (though not always)?
  • Symptoms of swelling can occur once a week to once a year?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, call for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition may have similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Angioedema in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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