Overview
Angioedema is a rapid swelling of the affected area beneath the skin or tissue lining, usually due to allergy, but it can also due to hereditary factor. This condition is acute and if it happens at vital locations such as throat, it can result in death.Signs and Symptoms
Swelling, Itchiness, Urticaria, Impaired vision (Face affected), Difficulty in breathing (Airway affected), Anaphylactic shockCommon Causes
Insect bites, Contact with latex, Drug allergy (eg: penicillin, aspirin, angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors), Genetic inheritanceInvestigation Techniques
Full blood count, Renal function test, Allergen test, X-ray of the affected areaTreatment and Prevention
Epinephrine injection (for severe allergic reaction), Endotracheal intubation if airway obstruction occurs, Antihistamines or Corticosteroids, Replace causative medications and avoid allergens.
