Angioedema is a condition characterized by swelling in the deep layers of skin and underlying tissues. It can occur in any part of the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, and genitals.

The swelling may be uncomfortable, and even potentially life-threatening if it affects the airway or digestive canal.

Symptoms of Angioedema

The symptoms of angioedema can vary depending on the severity and location of the swelling. The most common signs and symptoms of angioedema may include:.

Swelling in any part of the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, and genitals
Redness and warmth around the affected area
Itching, burning, or tingling sensation
Pain or discomfort in the affected area
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking if angioedema affects the airway or throat
Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting if angioedema affects the digestive canal

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Angioedema can progress rapidly, and may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Causes of Angioedema

Angioedema is caused by the swelling of blood vessels on the skin’s surface. The swelling occurs due to an excess of fluid accumulation in the deep layers of skin and underlying tissues.

This excess fluid can be triggered by various factors, including:.

Allergies

Angioedema can be a symptom of an allergic reaction to certain foods, medications, or substances.

In such cases, the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause blood vessels to swell, leading to the symptoms described above.

Medications

Some medications, including ACE inhibitors for hypertension treatment, can cause angioedema as a side-effect.

The mechanism of injury in this case is not entirely clear, but it has been hypothesized to involve an increase in bradykinin, a substance that causes blood vessels to dilate and thus resulting in the development of the symptoms of angioedema.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as infections, such as hepatitis B and HIV, may cause angioedema as a symptom.

Heredity Angioedema

Inherited angioedema, also known as hereditary angioedema (HAE), is a rare genetic condition that can cause recurring episodes of angioedema.

People with HAE have abnormal production or regulation of certain proteins in the blood that control inflammation and blood vessel dilation, which leads to the swelling or angioedema.

Conclusion

Angioedema is a condition that causes swelling in any part of the body, and can present with a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and even life-threatening.

The symptoms of angioedema can be caused by various factors, including allergies, medication, medical conditions, and inherited genetic defects.

If you experience any symptoms of angioedema, seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment plans may involve antihistamines or corticosteroids for allergic reactions, avoidance of known allergens, and prophylactic medications for hereditary angioedema.