What Are the Common Symptoms of Angioedema?

Angioedema Symptoms- What You Should Know

Angioedema is a form of swelling that develops underneath the skin or mucosa. Normally, it occurs in the areas where the tissues are loose.

Although any body part is subject to angioedema symptoms, swelling mainly happens close to the lips and eyes. In some cases, this type of oedema can also be witnessed in the inner lining of a person's intestines, upper respiratory tracts and even genitals.

Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms of angioedema in this blog.

Angioedema Symptoms

The symptoms of angioedema can occur abruptly and may last for up to 72 hours. Swelling underneath the skin is the most common sign of angioedema and may impact an individual’s:

• Eyes
• Feet
• Legs
• Hands
• Genitals
• Throat
• Tongue
• Bowel lining

Various other symptoms of angioedema can also be present, like:

• A prickling, hot or painful sensation in the affected region
• An itchy, reddish rash (urticaria)
• Abdominal pain
• Impaired vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Bladder problems

In some cases, the person can experience an anaphylactic shock, which may be life-threatening.

If a person faces the following issues, emergency medical treatment becomes essential:

• Sudden developments of angioedema symptoms, like an allergic reaction
• Abrupt breathing issues that worsen with time
• Dizziness or if the person collapses

When someone is already aware that they are prone to angioedema symptoms, they may carry an autoinjector. This device is effective while the person is waiting for medical care.

What Causes Angioedema?

The reason leading to angioedema depends on its type. Here are the quick details:

How is Angioedema Diagnosed?

Doctors are able to figure out the path of diagnosis after being sure of the type of angioedema. You can determine this by examining the swellings, studying the person's and their family's medical records, and so on.

For instance, suppose a person develops angioedema symptoms immediately after they are subject to a specific allergen. In this case, the type of angioedema that needs to be treated is normally allergic. Sometimes, this condition may be coupled with urticaria or hives.

Medical practitioners can recommend skin prick testing to identify the specific allergens. Considering your family's health history, if allergies have been a concern, then the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of hereditary angioedema could be elevated for you. In such cases, a team of doctors can run the following tests to diagnose the underlying issues:

• A blood test to determine the presence of C1 esterase inhibitor
• Verifying the levels of certain components, such as C2 and C4

Who is at Greater Risk of Developing Angioedema Symptoms?

Specific factors can elevate the chances of a person developing angioedema. The potential risk factors tend to vary depending on the triggering element or severity.

However, based on the widespread trend observed so far, the following factors can be considered responsible for recurring and severe angioedema symptoms:

• Older age
• Developing ACE-induced angioedema
• Being of Hispanic descent
• Having an underlying lung disease
• Smoking

Also, a recognised study from 2020 stated that those who take ACE inhibitors may have a greater possibility of developing angioedema if they are:

• Born as a female
• Of African American descent
• Living in the upper Midwest
• Taking NSAIDs

If you are aware of your allergic conditions, you must consciously avoid the triggers, as they may result in angioedema. Additional aspects that can cause angioedema symptoms are given below:

• Previous allergic reaction
• Stress or anxiety
• Hives or previous occurrence of any type of angioedema
• Certain medical conditions
• Sudden temperature changes
• Family history of hives or angioedema

Symptoms of Bradykinin-mediated Angioedema

Unlike other forms of angioedema, Bradykinin-mediated angioedema features distinct clinical features. Their treatment does not involve the usage of corticosteroids, antihistamines or epinephrine, which are conventionally implemented to reduce the regular symptoms of angioedema.

The primary symptom of Bradykinin-mediated Angioedema is localised and non-itchy swelling of the skin. Some commonly involved parts include a person's face, gastrointestinal tract and genitals. The swelling is often asymmetrical and can be slightly painful.

The Bradykinin-mediated angioedema symptoms can develop over several hours and may last even more than 24 hours in mild cases. If the swelling occurs in the tongue, upper airways and mouth, it will cause significant respiratory problems, which are potentially life-threatening. On the other hand, if the gastrointestinal tract is involved, the patient may suffer from nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

What are the Treatments for Bradykinin-mediated Angioedema?

Doctors need to use particular therapies to treat Bradykinin pathway problems and cure angioedema symptoms. The main effective treatments are as follows:

• C1 Esterase Inhibitor (C1-INH) Concentrates : These are used for acute attacks falling under the acquired and hereditary angioedema categories.
• Icatibant : Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists resolve allergic attacks quickly in ACE inhibitor-induced cases.
• Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) : FFP contains C1-INH and other enzymes that degrade bradykinin. As this procedure is a bit tricky, specialists perform this therapy with caution to eliminate possible risks.

What is the Long-term Outlook for People With Angioedema?

In numerous instances, angioedema is a harmless medical condition that resolves by itself within 1-2 days. However, if someone experiences a significant swelling around the throat, it can be dangerous and life-threatening. An affected tongue or throat can restrict the proper functioning of airways and make it difficult to breathe.

Severe angioedema cases generally arise from anaphylaxis, an abrupt medical condition. These cases immediately call for expert medical support and should not be neglected under any circumstances.

Prevention of Angioedema Symptoms

The most effective method for preventing allergic angioedema involves avoiding known and suspected allergens, as well as those previously implicated in the condition's onset. Adopting preventive measures can reduce the chances of experiencing a recurring episode.

Final Words

Depending on its severity, angioedema symptoms may or may not require medical intervention. If a person experiences difficulty breathing, seeking emergency care becomes crucial.

For cases needing treatment, physicians commonly suggest antihistamines or similar medications to reduce the swelling. Less severe episodes may not need specific treatment and typically subside within a short period.