Angioedema

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

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.