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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > A > Angioedema

Angioedema   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Angioneurotic edema; Swelling - eyes

Symptoms

  • sudden development of wheals or welts
    • usually located on the eyes and mouth, but may also occur on the hands and feet or in the throat
    • red
    • itching or painful
    • blanch and swell if irritated
    • deep
  • localized edema (eyes and mouth appear swollen)
  • abdominal cramping
  • difficulty breathing
  • chemosis (swollen conjunctiva)

Signs and Tests

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and a history of exposure to an irritant/allergen. There may be stridor (crowing sound when inhaling) if the throat is affected. Rarely, allergy testing may be performed to determine the causative allergen.

Ency. home > Disease > A > Angioedema

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