What is Angioedema?
Angioedema is defined as swelling without itchiness or significant redness. It can be painful, and depending on the location, it has the potential to be life-threatening.
What Causes Angioedema?
Angioedema can result from medications considered ACE inhibitors, even after tolerating the medication for years or decades. Examples of ACE inhibitors:
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
- Lisinopril
- Quinapril
- Aspirin
- NSAIDs (Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac)
What Are the 4 Types of Angioedema?
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)
- HAE Type I: This is the most common form of angioedema. People with HAE type 1 have low levels of an enzyme called C1 Esterase Inhibitor (C1-INH).
- HAE Type II – Patients with this variant of HAE have normal to elevated levels of C1 Esterase Inhibitor but have poorly functioning C1 Esterase Inhibitor.
- HAE Type III – This is another form of familial angioedema that is less understood. Patients present the same as those with HAE types I & II, but have normal laboratory testing (normal C1 Esterase Inhibitor and C4 levels).
Acquired Angioedema: This is characterized by an acquired deficiency of C1 Esterase Inhibitor. Patients with this diagnosis may have an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disease or a lymphoproliferative disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Angioedema?
Angioedema is characterized by the sudden and often dramatic swelling of deeper skin layers and mucous membranes, typically without the itchiness or significant redness seen in hives. Here are the key symptoms of angioedema.
Swelling
The hallmark symptom of angioedema is the rapid and pronounced swelling, often affecting the face (lips, eyelids, and tongue), hands, feet, or the throat. Swelling can be asymmetric and may vary in severity.
Painless
Unlike hives, angioedema is typically painless and does not involve the sensation of itching. However, the swelling itself can be uncomfortable and disfiguring.
Mucous Membrane Involvement
In some cases, angioedema can affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Variable Duration
Angioedema episodes can vary in duration, typically lasting from a few hours to several days. Acute episodes often resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
Recurrence
Angioedema can be recurrent, with multiple episodes occurring over time. For individuals with underlying conditions like hereditary angioedema (HAE), these episodes may be more frequent.
Potential Triggers
While some cases of angioedema appear to have no apparent trigger, others can be induced by factors like medication, food allergies, insect stings, stress, or physical stimuli like pressure or cold exposure.
Airway Complications
When angioedema affects the throat or the laryngeal area, it can lead to airway obstruction, causing difficulty breathing and potentially becoming life-threatening. This requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing & Treating Angioedema
Medical History
Laboratory Studies
Treatment
Angioedema Treatment in New Jersey
How to Treat Angioedema
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If one is diagnosed with acquired angioedema, then the underlying medical condition will need to be addressed first. If the diagnosis is hereditary angioedema (Type I, II or III), we then decide if the individual will be treated with medication.
Angioedema Medications
Medications used to treat angioedema include: Conestat Alfa (Ruconest), Ecallantide (Kalbitor), Icatibant (Firazyr), C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Berinert), Berotralstat (Orladeyo), C1 Esterase Inhibitor (Cinryze, Haegarda), Attenuated Androgens
Angioedema FAQs
Can angioedema be life threatening?
Yes. Angioedema can also involve the airway. If one is experiencing angioedema they need to seek medical attention immediately.
