What it is
It can be caused by an allergic reaction, by certain medicines (especially ACE inhibitors for blood pressure), by a rare inherited condition (hereditary angioedema), or without an identifiable cause.
Treatment depends on the type: antihistamines and avoiding triggers for allergic angioedema, changing medicines if a drug is responsible, and specific treatments for hereditary angioedema.
Common signs
- Swelling of the lips, eyes, cheeks, hands or feet
- The swollen skin may feel hot or painful
- Sometimes hives, or tummy pain if the gut is affected
How it is usually diagnosed
- A history of when swelling happens and which medicines you take
- Allergy tests if an allergy is suspected
- Blood tests (C4 and C1 inhibitor) for hereditary angioedema
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Photos of episodes with dates
- A diary of possible triggers
- Allergy and blood test results
- An up-to-date medicine list, noting any medicine that caused swelling
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of angioedema do I have?
- Could any of my medicines be the cause?
- Do I need an emergency plan or adrenaline?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a hoarse voice
- Feeling faint
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.