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Angioedema
Angioedema is deeper swelling of the skin, often around the eyes, lips, tongue or throat. It can occur with hives and, if it affects the airway, is an emergency.
Causes & risk factors
- Allergic reactions to food, medicines or insect stings
- Some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors)
- A rare inherited form (hereditary angioedema)
- Infections or other triggers
- Sometimes no clear cause
Common symptoms
- Swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue or face
- Swelling of the hands, feet or genitals
- Difficulty breathing if the throat swells
- A tight or burning feeling in the swollen area
- Hives at the same time in some cases
Tests & diagnosis
- Diagnosed from the pattern of swelling
- Allergy testing to find triggers
- Blood tests for hereditary angioedema (C1 inhibitor)
- Review of current medicines
Treatment & management
- Emergency treatment if the airway is affected
- Antihistamines for allergic swelling
- Stopping any medicine that triggers it
- Specific medicines for hereditary angioedema
- Avoiding known triggers
When to see a doctor urgently
- Swelling of the tongue or throat, or trouble breathing — call your local emergency number now
- Swelling with dizziness or collapse — emergency (possible anaphylaxis)
- Rapidly spreading facial swelling
- Recurrent unexplained swelling needing investigation
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about angioedema. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How is angioedema different from hives?
Hives are raised, itchy welts on the skin surface, while angioedema is deeper swelling. They often occur together, but throat swelling makes angioedema an emergency.
Can medicines cause it?
Yes. Some blood pressure medicines can trigger angioedema, sometimes after months or years of use. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.