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Angioedema
Alternate Names : Angioneurotic Edema, Swelling - Eyes
DefinitionAngioedema is the development of large welts below the surface of the skin, especially around the eyes and lips. The welts may also affect the hands, feet, and throat. The condition can be associated with allergies and histamine release.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Angioedema is a swelling similar to urticaria (hives), but the swelling is beneath the skin rather than on the surface. There seems to be a hereditary tendency toward the development of both angioedema and hives (see hereditary angioedema). Angioedema is associated with the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, which is part of the allergic response.
Common allergens include:
- medications
- foods (such as berries, shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, milk, and others)
- pollen
- animal dander (scales of shed skin)
- insect bites
- exposure to water, sunlight, cold or heat
- emotional stress
Hives and angioedema may also occur after infections or illness (including autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and others).
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Angioedema Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Angioedema Symptoms & Signs
• Angioedema Prevention
• Angioedema Diagnosis & Tests
• Angioedema Treatment
• Angioedema Prognosis
• Angioedema Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Allergies
• Anaphylaxis
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Hereditary Angioedema
• Hives
Tests & Exams
• Allergy Testing
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Allergen
• Allergic Reactions
• Breathing Difficulties - First Aid
• Breathing Difficulty
• Breathing Sounds - Abnormal (Stridor)
• Chemosis
• Insect Bites and Stings
• Scales
• Stress and Anxiety
• Swelling
Review Date : 10/30/2003
Reviewed By : Donald Accetta, MD, MPH. President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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