(See also Overview of Allergic Reactions.)
Hereditary angioedema and acquired angioedema resemble angioedema caused by an allergic reaction, with swelling of areas of tissues under the skin. However, hives do not develop, and the cause is different.
Hereditary angioedema is a genetic disorder that causes a deficiency or malfunction of C1 inhibitor. C1 inhibitor is one of the proteins in the complement system, which is part of the immune system. Symptoms usually start during childhood or adolescence.
Acquired angioedema, a rare disorder, differs from hereditary angioedema. It develops when certain cancers, such as lymphoma, or autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) or dermatomyositis, cause a deficiency of C1 inhibitor. Symptoms usually start later in life, after people have developed a disorder that can cause this deficiency.
In both hereditary and acquired angioedema, swelling (angioedema) may be triggered by
Stress, such as that due to anticipating or having a dental or surgical procedure, can make angioedema worse.
Symptoms
The face, lips, tongue, the back of the hands or feet, genitals, and/or other areas of the body may swell. Typically, the swollen areas are slightly painful and not itchy. Hives do not appear. Swelling usually resolves in 1 to 3 days.
The membranes lining the mouth, throat, and airways may also swell. People may make a gasping sound when they breathe in. Such swelling can interfere with breathing and be life threatening. If these symptoms develop, people should see a doctor right away.
The membranes lining the digestive tract may also swell. Nausea, vomiting, and cramps are common.
This photo shows swelling of the lips in a person with hereditary angioedema.
This person has a swollen tongue due to angioedema.
This person has swollen lips due to angioedema.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Certain drugs, such as ecallantide, icatibant, or purified C1 inhibitor (which is derived from human blood), can sometimes relieve the swelling. However, these drugs are not always available. In such cases, fresh frozen plasma or, in the European Union, tranexamic acid may be given. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are not effective.
Pain relievers, drugs to relieve nausea (antiemetic drugs), and fluids may help relieve symptoms.
Emergency treatment
Sometimes if the airway suddenly swells and people have difficulty breathing, doctors must open the airway. To do so, they may inject epinephrine under the skin or into the muscle to reduce the swelling. However, epinephrine may not reduce the swelling quickly or long enough. Then doctors insert a breathing tube in the windpipe through the person’s mouth or nose (intubation).
Sometimes doctors have to make a small incision in the skin over the windpipe (trachea) to insert the breathing tube.
Drugs to prevent attacks
Stanozolol and danazol (which are synthetic male hormones) may help prevent subsequent attacks. These drugs may be given for a few days before and after a dental or surgical procedure, which may trigger an attack. Or they may be given to prevent attacks over the long term.
These drugs, taken by mouth, can stimulate the body to produce more C1 inhibitor, but they may be less effective for acquired angioedema.
Because these drugs can have masculinizing side effects, the dose is reduced as soon and as much as possible when these drugs are given to women for a long time.
C1 inhibitor, if available, may be given 1 hour before dental or surgical procedures instead of stanozolol or danazol.
The monoclonal antibody drug lanadelumab, given by injection, can be used to prevent attacks in people 12 years of age and older.
