Angioedema

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 shock

Common Causes

Insect bites, Contact with latex, Drug allergy (eg: penicillin, aspirin, angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors), Genetic inheritance

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Renal function test, Allergen test, X-ray of the affected area

Treatment and Prevention

Epinephrine injection (for severe allergic reaction), Endotracheal intubation if airway obstruction occurs, Antihistamines or Corticosteroids, Replace causative medications and avoid allergens.

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Information Updated on : Wed Feb 12 2020 16:04:04 GMT+0800 (Malaysia Time)

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