Angioödém

Angioedema is a sudden swelling, usually of the skin, mucous membranes, and submucosal tissues. It is often caused by a rapid release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the lips, tongue, throat, eyelids, hands, and feet. In some cases, angioedema can be life-threatening if it affects the airway, leading to difficulty breathing.

There are two main types of angioedema: allergic and non-allergic. Allergic angioedema is typically triggered by allergens such as certain foods, medications (like NSAIDs or ACE inhibitors), insect stings, or latex. It often occurs rapidly after exposure to the allergen and may be accompanied by other allergic symptoms like hives (urticaria), itching, and wheezing. Non-allergic angioedema, also known as hereditary angioedema (HAE) or bradykinin-mediated angioedema, is not caused by an allergic reaction. HAE is a rare genetic disorder that results from a deficiency or dysfunction of a protein involved in regulating bradykinin, a substance that causes blood vessels to leak fluid, leading to swelling. This type of angioedema can be triggered by minor trauma, stress, or infections, and may occur without other allergic symptoms.

Diagnosis of angioedema involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and sometimes allergy testing or blood tests to assess for specific deficiencies or abnormalities. Treatment depends on the cause and severity. For allergic angioedema, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine may be used to manage acute episodes. In cases of HAE, specific medications that target bradykinin or C1 esterase inhibitor are used for both acute attacks and long-term prevention. Avoiding known triggers is crucial for managing both types of angioedema.