Angioedema causes facial, throat, and limb swelling, leading to breathing difficulties. Triggers include medications, foods, and insect bites, but thankfully, treatment options exist. Start an online search to learn more about angioedema.
What is Angioedema?
Angioedema is a condition characterized by sudden swelling in various body parts, including the face, throat, and limbs. This swelling can be mild or severe and may cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty breathing. 1 Angioedema can occur alone or in conjunction with other allergic reactions, such as hives.
Angioedema is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people at some point in their lives. It can occur at any age, but it is most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 40. Angioedema is more common in women than in men.
The exact cause of angioedema is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an overreaction of the body’s immune system. When a person is exposed to an allergen, such as a certain food or medication, the immune system releases histamine and other chemicals that cause blood vessels to leak fluid. This fluid buildup leads to swelling in the affected areas.
Angioedema: Causes and Triggers
There are many different things that can trigger angioedema, including:
- Medications: Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and aspirin, can cause angioedema as a side effect.
- Foods: Some foods, such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, and milk, can trigger angioedema in people who are allergic to them.
- Insect bites: Insect bites, such as from bees, wasps, and ants, can cause angioedema in some people.
- Other triggers: Other potential triggers of angioedema include stress, heat, cold, and exercise.
It is important to note that angioedema can also occur without any obvious trigger. This is known as idiopathic angioedema.
Managing Angioedema: Treatment Options
The treatment for angioedema depends on the severity of the swelling and the underlying cause. In mild cases, antihistamines or corticosteroids may be sufficient to reduce the swelling. In more severe cases, adrenaline may be necessary to relieve the swelling and prevent breathing difficulties.
People who experience frequent angioedema attacks may be prescribed a medication called an ACE inhibitor to prevent future attacks. 2 ACE inhibitors work by blocking the production of a chemical called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. ACE inhibitors can be effective in preventing angioedema attacks for the majority of people.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat angioedema. Surgery may be an option for people who have severe angioedema that does not respond to medication or for people who have angioedema that is caused by a structural abnormality.
Learn More About Angioedema
Angioedema can be a serious condition, but it is usually manageable with proper treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms of angioedema, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
To learn more about angioedema, you can search online for reputable sources of information. Some helpful resources include the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).