Angioedema

Angioedema is a condition characterized by swelling beneath the skin, typically affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, and intestinal lining. This swelling occurs due to fluid leakage from blood vessels. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergic reactions (e.g., to food, medications, insect stings), hereditary conditions, ACE inhibitor medications, and stress. Symptoms range from mild, localized swelling to life-threatening airway obstruction. Diagnosis involves clinical examination and may include blood tests to identify underlying causes. Treatment focuses on addressing the trigger and managing symptoms, often involving antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine, and in severe cases, airway management.

Angioedema meaning with examples

• After eating peanuts, Sarah developed angioedema, noticing significant swelling of her lips and tongue. She quickly took an antihistamine and sought medical attention. The swelling slowly subsided, and her allergy to peanuts was later confirmed with testing.
• John's doctor suspected angioedema after he experienced facial swelling following a dose of his new blood pressure medication, an ACE inhibitor. He immediately stopped taking the medication and was prescribed an alternative treatment to manage his blood pressure.
• During a camping trip, Maria was stung by a bee and developed angioedema with swelling around her eye and throat. Fortunately, she had an epinephrine auto-injector and used it promptly, preventing more severe complications.
• A hereditary form of angioedema caused frequent episodes of swelling in Emily's abdomen, making her feel intensely nauseous. She learned to manage these attacks with a specific medication and avoided known triggers of the disease.
• After a particularly stressful week, David woke up with angioedema, and noticed swelling in his face and difficulty breathing. He went to the emergency room, where he received a diagnosis of stress-induced angioedema and was given medications to treat the symptoms.