Angioedema is swelling of the deeper layer of the skin and of the tissue under the skin or mucous membranes, most often around the mouth, face, tongue, throat, hands or abdomen. It often appears together with hives, which are swelling of the upper skin, and usually develops over minutes to hours. The mechanism involves either histamine, as in allergic reactions to foods, insect bites and drugs, or bradykinin, as in hereditary C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency or reactions to ACE inhibitor drugs. Swelling of the airway can be life threatening and may need intubation. Treatment differs by mechanism, from antihistamines and epinephrine to C1 inhibitor concentrate. Heinrich Quincke first described the clinical picture in 1882, and the link to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency was proved in 1963.
Facts
Causative Agent
Causative Agent (category) Causative Agent (category)Idiopathic / Multifactorial 1 First Described Sources
1. Angioedema (Wikipedia)
Lead
Angioedema is an area of swelling (edema) of the lower layer of skin and tissue just under the skin or mucous membranes.
Types
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) exists in three forms, all of which are caused by a genetic mutation inherited in an autosomal dominant form.
Signs and symptoms
but more often it is either idiopathic (unknown) or only weakly correlated to allergen exposure.
History
Heinrich Quincke first described the clinical picture of angioedema in 1882
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