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Angioedema

Check if you have angioedema

Angioedema is where a part of the body suddenly becomes swollen.

You'll usually have a raised, itchy rash (hives) if an allergic reaction has caused the swelling.

Areas of the body commonly affected include:

  • the face – particularly the lips, tongue and eyelids
  • the hands or feet
  • the genitals

Sometimes the bowel may also become swollen, which can cause stomach pain.

Less commonly, the throat can swell up, leading to breathing difficulties. This is a medical emergency and immediate treatment is needed.

  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

  • part of your body suddenly becomes swollen (such as your hands, feet or genitals)

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Treatments for angioedema

You may not need treatment for angioedema if the swelling is mild or it only affects a small area of your body.

If the swelling is severe or widespread, or if it affects your lips, tongue, or throat, you'll usually need emergency treatment in hospital.

Treatments for angioedema include:

  • identifying and avoiding the underlying cause – if a medicine is thought to be the cause, you may be given a different one to take instead
  • antihistamine medicine, such as cetirizine, fexofenadine or loratadine
  • steroid tablets, such as prednisolone

If you have a type of angioedema that keeps coming back (hereditary angioedema), you may also need medicine to stop this happening.

You may have regular reviews to check if your treatment is working.

If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, you may need to go back to hospital for further tests and treatment.

Types of angioedema

A raised, itchy rash (hives) is a common symptom of angioedema. It often affects the lips, tongue and eyelids, hands, feet and genitals.

Treatments for angioedema include trying to identify the underlying cause and avoiding it, and medicines like antihistamines and steroid tablets.

Types of angioedema include allergic and non-allergic angioedema, idiopathic angioedema (where the cause is unknown) and hereditary angioedema.

Related links

Angioedema

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88 public posts

Subclinical Hashimotos?

I certainly have a strong autoimmune problem consistently and, in fact, the urticaria has now changed to angioedema where my tongue and throat and lips swell and I have an EPI pen (have never had to use it yet).
I certainly have a strong autoimmune problem consistently and, in fact, the urticaria has now changed to angioedema where my tongue and throat and lips swell and I have an EPI pen (have never had to use it yet).
MPG15 profile image
MPG15
in Thyroid UK
3 months ago

T4-T3 conversion

not thyroid related, I had an unexplained series of angioedema episodes.
not thyroid related, I had an unexplained series of angioedema episodes.
fairydogmother profile image
fairydogmother
in Thyroid UK
6 months ago

Further to this: Help with finding a practitioner please…

Eeyore suggested I include an area Friend would be happy with zoom but in case she ever needs to visit the practitioner suggestions for a 50 mile radius of North Herts would be useful but not crucial Thanks
Eeyore suggested I include an area Friend would be happy with zoom but in case she ever needs to visit the practitioner suggestions for a 50 mile radius of North Herts would be useful but not crucial Thanks
Noelnoel profile image
Noelnoel
in Thyroid UK
4 months ago
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Suddenly developing allergies/angioedema/lip swelling?

And then today, he woke up in the morning, with NO food or meds or anything to drink, with the same angioedema. We treat with Benadryl, which works except knocks him out, and have epipens and the ER. . . but I want to know if anyone has experienced anything like this?
And then today, he woke up in the morning, with NO food or meds or anything to drink, with the same angioedema. We treat with Benadryl, which works except knocks him out, and have epipens and the ER. . . but I want to know if anyone has experienced anything like this?
LostinHeadSpace profile image
LostinHeadSpace
in PSP Association
1 year ago

Like a fool, I've gone and talked myself into graded exercise therapy.

I have several other co-morbid health conditions including severe allergies (urticaria and angioedema) that keep going on and on. And when I'm tired and try to push through, the symptoms surge with a vengeance. Que swelling face.
I have several other co-morbid health conditions including severe allergies (urticaria and angioedema) that keep going on and on. And when I'm tired and try to push through, the symptoms surge with a vengeance. Que swelling face.
Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012
in Fibromyalgia Action UK
4 months ago

acquired angioedema

I have been through two 6 month treatments with FCR, the first because the CLL had reached the treatment stage and the second mainly to try and control the acquired angioedema attacks. I am currently on 280mg of Imbruvica daily and Orladeyo for the AAE. I am 68 years old. Thanks
I have been through two 6 month treatments with FCR, the first because the CLL had reached the treatment stage and the second mainly to try and control the acquired angioedema attacks. I am currently on 280mg of Imbruvica daily and Orladeyo for the AAE. I am 68 years old. Thanks
hertler13 profile image
hertler13
in CLL Support
1 year ago

Supplementing B12 & Folate advice please

She's had long term ME/CFS, recently diagnosed hypothyroid but also Spontaneous urticaria and angioedema which I believe may be linked to her low thyroid status. Her Folate was recently below range but has now peeped into the normal range following adding broccoli to her diet.
She's had long term ME/CFS, recently diagnosed hypothyroid but also Spontaneous urticaria and angioedema which I believe may be linked to her low thyroid status. Her Folate was recently below range but has now peeped into the normal range following adding broccoli to her diet.
Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507
Administratorin Thyroid UK
10 months ago

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and other autoimmune complications and extranodal involvement in CLL

[/i] [u]Acquired von Willebrand disease[/u] and [u]acquired hemophilia A[/u] Non-hematologic autoimmune conditions: [u]Paraneoplastic pemphigus[/u], [u]Glomerulonephritis[/u], [u]Angioedema due to acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency[/u] ("[i]C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency has been reported
[/i] [u]Acquired von Willebrand disease[/u] and [u]acquired hemophilia A[/u] Non-hematologic autoimmune conditions: [u]Paraneoplastic pemphigus[/u], [u]Glomerulonephritis[/u], [u]Angioedema due to acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency[/u] ("[i]C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency has been reported
CLLerinOz profile image
CLLerinOz
Volunteerin CLL Support
6 months ago

The joy of the unclear diagnosis 😂

I lost my mum to Covid in late 2020 but she had a possible diagnosis of Hereditary Angioedema due to a positive C4 test but that can actually apply to a number of conditions: my sister has erythromelalgia with unknown cause and hasn’t had a C4 test.
I lost my mum to Covid in late 2020 but she had a possible diagnosis of Hereditary Angioedema due to a positive C4 test but that can actually apply to a number of conditions: my sister has erythromelalgia with unknown cause and hasn’t had a C4 test.
saltyskies profile image
saltyskies
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
5 months ago

Blood rush to the head and swollen face - any link to heart medication

My GP thinks it might be Angioedema which amongst other things is caused by an allergic reaction including to various blood pressure tablets.
My GP thinks it might be Angioedema which amongst other things is caused by an allergic reaction including to various blood pressure tablets.
KentFox profile image
KentFox
in British Heart Foundation
2 years ago

Issues after COVID 19

Increased frequency of angioedema attacks, been having one this weekend. Difficulty sleeping. Medics not helping, anyone else having post cove issues. Had COVID on Feb last year. Regards Paul
Increased frequency of angioedema attacks, been having one this weekend. Difficulty sleeping. Medics not helping, anyone else having post cove issues. Had COVID on Feb last year. Regards Paul
PaulB profile image
PaulB
in Thyroid UK
2 years ago

Losartan and angioedema

Has anyone experienced angioedema on meds and found a drug to replace them safely, Also has anyone had weight gain on losartan?
Has anyone experienced angioedema on meds and found a drug to replace them safely, Also has anyone had weight gain on losartan?
Vacanza profile image
Vacanza
in British Heart Foundation
2 years ago

Latest update?

Unable to sleep for a few weeks and had to stop zopiclone because I developed angioedema, swollen ankles and feet, problems with diminished urine and gut problems. Had been slow tapering for four weeks and was immediately advised to return to7.5 mgs pred.
Unable to sleep for a few weeks and had to stop zopiclone because I developed angioedema, swollen ankles and feet, problems with diminished urine and gut problems. Had been slow tapering for four weeks and was immediately advised to return to7.5 mgs pred.
merril profile image
merril
in PMRGCAuk
2 years ago

Cyclosporine

It’s not for my asthma but is for cholinergic urticaria (hives/angioedema). If so I would like to know of your experience as I am scared to take it due to the side effects which sound awful!! Also worried as it’s an immunosuppressant and I might be vulnerable because I am severely asthmatic.
It’s not for my asthma but is for cholinergic urticaria (hives/angioedema). If so I would like to know of your experience as I am scared to take it due to the side effects which sound awful!! Also worried as it’s an immunosuppressant and I might be vulnerable because I am severely asthmatic.
Sunnydays1982 profile image
Sunnydays1982
in Asthma Community Forum
2 years ago

Angioedema and Hives

In addition, I’m now getting bouts of angioedema (swollen eyes, lips and tongue) and hives (mainly hands and feet) which are treated within a day with antihistamine, but will return again. So we have now swapped out the Ticagrelor for clopidogrel to see if there is an improvement.
In addition, I’m now getting bouts of angioedema (swollen eyes, lips and tongue) and hives (mainly hands and feet) which are treated within a day with antihistamine, but will return again. So we have now swapped out the Ticagrelor for clopidogrel to see if there is an improvement.
Squash1961 profile image
Squash1961
in British Heart Foundation
2 years ago

Newbie with possible vasculitis

*waves* this may be a long story, but I'll try to keep it as short as possible! Diagnosed with Autoimmune hepatitis in 2006 aged 15. Plodded along on azathioprine and prednisolone, with a few periods of non compliance and ups and downs with flare ups. Generally though in good health. Around April 20
*waves* this may be a long story, but I'll try to keep it as short as possible! Diagnosed with Autoimmune hepatitis in 2006 aged 15. Plodded along on azathioprine and prednisolone, with a few periods of non compliance and ups and downs with flare ups. Generally though in good health. Around April 20
MotherGothel profile image
MotherGothel
in Vasculitis UK
2 years ago

Something to try if you suffer from the dreaded MPN itches

For the past 3 days I have been suffering from severe hives and angioedema that I believe may be related to covid-19 since I also was coughing and had a fever. I didn't get tested because I just was too sick to leave the house.
For the past 3 days I have been suffering from severe hives and angioedema that I believe may be related to covid-19 since I also was coughing and had a fever. I didn't get tested because I just was too sick to leave the house.
clubdino profile image
clubdino
in MPN Voice
3 years ago

Bronchoscopy and biopsy

I have been told to have bronchoscopy but since My reaction to ramipril causing Angioedema of airways my throat is very sensitive causing me to cough.
I have been told to have bronchoscopy but since My reaction to ramipril causing Angioedema of airways my throat is very sensitive causing me to cough.
Afaghieh profile image
Afaghieh
in Thyroid UK
3 years ago

Advice re Prednisone dosage please.

Angioedema/muscle joint pain and swelling has resulted in spikes from my lowest dose of 9.5 to 75mg. Early March I was on 17.5 and I gradually dropped to 12mg.
Angioedema/muscle joint pain and swelling has resulted in spikes from my lowest dose of 9.5 to 75mg. Early March I was on 17.5 and I gradually dropped to 12mg.
7Angie3 profile image
7Angie3
in LUPUS UK
3 years ago

Selenium

Ive been reading a lot recently about selenium and using it for thyroid function. Has anyone had any issues while taking it? I purchased some and took one for the first time tonight but have since come out in hives. Has anyone had this or similar problems?
Ive been reading a lot recently about selenium and using it for thyroid function. Has anyone had any issues while taking it? I purchased some and took one for the first time tonight but have since come out in hives. Has anyone had this or similar problems?
Linzr profile image
Linzr
in Thyroid UK
3 years ago
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