Angioedema

Rapid swelling of deep skin layers and mucous membranes requires specialized diagnosis and treatment. We identify the underlying cause and provide targeted therapies to prevent life-threatening episodes.

Start Free Assessment Diagnostic Testing
✓ Rapid Diagnosis ✓ Emergency Protocols ✓ Specialized Therapies
Angioedema swelling management
1 in 50,000 People with hereditary angioedema
7 years Average delay to diagnosis

Understanding Angioedema Severity

Swelling can range from mild to life-threatening depending on location and cause.

Angioedema severity scale from mild to severe
😊

Mild Swelling

Lips, eyelids, mild facial swelling

Most common
😐

Moderate Episodes

Extensive face, hands, feet swelling

May need treatment
🚨

Severe/Laryngeal

Throat swelling, airway compromise

Medical emergency

Types of Angioedema

Different types of angioedema medical diagram
🧬

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

Genetic C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency

Rare genetic disorder causing recurrent episodes of severe swelling. Often misdiagnosed for years.

Abdominal pain No urticaria Family history Recurrent episodes
🦠

Allergic Angioedema

IgE-mediated allergic reaction

Rapid swelling following exposure to allergens like foods, medications, or insect stings.

With hives Rapid onset Clear trigger Responds to epinephrine
💊

ACE Inhibitor-Induced

Medication-induced angioedema

Common cause in adults taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Can occur months to years after starting medication.

Face/lips/tongue No hives Drug-related Gradual onset
❓

Idiopathic Angioedema

Unknown cause

No identifiable trigger after thorough evaluation. May be chronic or recurrent with unknown etiology.

No clear trigger Variable pattern May be chronic Diagnosis of exclusion

Diagnostic Testing Process

Comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause

Angioedema diagnostic testing workflow

Clinical History

Detailed evaluation of episode patterns, triggers, family history, and current medications.

1
2

C1 Esterase Inhibitor Testing

Blood tests for C1-INH levels and function to diagnose hereditary angioedema.

Allergy Testing

Skin tests and specific IgE testing for suspected allergen triggers.

3
4

Additional Studies

Complement levels, tryptase, and other specialized tests as indicated.

Treatment Plan

Personalized management strategy based on type and severity of angioedema.

5

Treatment Approach

Tailored therapy based on angioedema type and severity

1

Acute Treatment

Emergency management of severe episodes with appropriate medications

2

Trigger Avoidance

Identify and eliminate known triggers when possible

3

Prophylactic Therapy

Long-term prevention for recurrent episodes

4

On-Demand Treatment

Self-administered medications for breakthrough episodes

5

Emergency Planning

Comprehensive action plan for severe reactions

Specialized Care

Expert management for different types and patient populations

🧬 Hereditary Angioedema

Specialized HAE management with access to latest therapies including C1-INH concentrates and kallikrein inhibitors.

  • Genetic counseling & family screening
  • Prophylactic & on-demand treatments
  • Emergency action plans

👶 Pediatric Patients

Age-appropriate evaluation and treatment protocols with focus on early diagnosis and family support.

  • Child-friendly testing approaches
  • School emergency planning
  • Growth & development monitoring

🤰 Pregnancy Management

Safe treatment protocols during pregnancy with specialized care for mother and baby.

  • Pregnancy-safe medications
  • Delivery & breastfeeding planning
  • Newborn screening protocols

🏥 Severe/Recurrent Cases

Comprehensive management for frequent episodes with advanced monitoring and prevention strategies.

  • Episode tracking & trigger analysis
  • Treatment optimization
  • Quality of life improvement

Angioedema Emergency Kit

Essential items for angioedema patients:

💉

EpiPen (if allergic)

For allergic angioedema

💊

HAE Medication

C1-INH or kallikrein inhibitor

🏥

Medical Alert ID

Type of angioedema identified

📋

Emergency Plan

Written action plan

📱

Emergency Contacts

Specialist & hospital info

📄

Medical Records

Test results & diagnosis

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about angioedema

Is angioedema life-threatening? +
It can be when swelling affects the throat or airway. This is why proper diagnosis and emergency planning are crucial for all angioedema patients.
How is hereditary angioedema diagnosed? +
Blood tests measuring C1 esterase inhibitor levels and function, along with C4 complement levels. Genetic testing may also be performed.
Can angioedema be prevented? +
Yes, depending on the type. Avoiding triggers helps allergic angioedema, while prophylactic medications can prevent HAE episodes.
What triggers angioedema episodes? +
Triggers vary by type: allergens for allergic angioedema, stress/trauma for HAE, medications like ACE inhibitors, or unknown causes.
How long do episodes last? +
Allergic angioedema usually resolves in hours with treatment. HAE episodes typically last 2-5 days without treatment, or hours with proper medication.
Is hereditary angioedema inherited? +
Yes, HAE is an autosomal dominant genetic condition. Children of affected parents have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition.

Don't Let Angioedema Control Your Life

Get expert diagnosis and treatment from specialists who understand all types of angioedema.

Start Free Assessment Schedule Consultation

Emergency protocols available • Specialized HAE treatments • Insurance accepted