Acquired Angioedema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Acquired Angioedema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Article
Allergy
Focused Health Topics
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBA+1 moreApr 03, 2023

Introduction:

Acquired angioedema is a rare condition that causes swelling beneath the skin's surface, typically in the face, limbs, and genitals. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including medications, infections, and underlying medical conditions. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of acquired angioedema.

Causes of Acquired Angioedema:

Acquired angioedema can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause acquired angioedema.
  • Infections: Viral and bacterial infections can cause acquired angioedema.
  • Underlying medical conditions: Acquired angioedema can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as lymphoma and autoimmune diseases.
  • Exposure to allergens: Exposure to allergens, such as pollen or certain foods, can cause acquired angioedema.

Symptoms of Acquired Angioedema:

Acquired angioedema is characterized by the sudden onset of swelling beneath the skin's surface. Some of the common symptoms of acquired angioedema include:

  • Swelling in the face, limbs, and genitals
  • Itching and burning
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swollen tongue or throat
  • Nausea and vomiting

Treatment of Acquired Angioedema:

Treatment options for acquired angioedema may include:

  • Medications: Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
  • Epinephrine: In severe cases, epinephrine may be used to relieve breathing difficulties and swelling.
  • Prevention of triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as allergens or certain medications, may help prevent the onset of acquired angioedema.
  • Treatment of underlying medical conditions: Treatment of underlying medical conditions, such as lymphoma or autoimmune diseases, may be necessary to treat acquired angioedema.

Prevention of Acquired Angioedema:

Prevention of acquired angioedema involves avoiding triggers and managing underlying medical conditions. Some of the prevention strategies may include:

  • Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as certain foods or medications
  • Managing underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or lymphoma
  • Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector if at risk of severe reactions

Conclusion:

Acquired angioedema is a rare condition that causes swelling beneath the skin's surface. Diagnosis may involve physical examination and blood tests, while treatment may involve medications, epinephrine, and prevention of triggers. Prevention involves avoiding triggers and managing underlying medical conditions.

Hashtags: #AcquiredAngioedema #Swelling #Inflammation #Antihistamines #Corticosteroids #Epinephrine #Triggers #Lymphoma #AutoimmuneDiseases

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Author

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff

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