| Angioedema: Rapid swelling characterizes the | | | | chemosis are all typical symptoms of angioedema. |
| condition known as angioedema. The swelling | | | | Treatment: In some mild cases the condition can |
| occurs in one of three areas: the dermis, the | | | | safely go without treatment. Pain relief can be |
| mucosa or the subcutaneous tissue. When the | | | | obtained with simple cool compresses or soaks. |
| presentation of angioedema can be classified as | | | | Allergic angioedema can be effectively treated |
| "rapid" it should be treated as a medical | | | | using epinephrine. In some cases it is a life saving |
| emergency. Rapid swelling of this type can result | | | | treatment. In addition to being effective against |
| in airway obstruction or suffocation. If a patient | | | | allergic angioedema it is sometimes used to |
| has trouble breathing or feels as if their throat is | | | | effectively treat hereditary angioedema. Drug |
| closing, it is urgent that a physician is consulted | | | | induced angioedema is the third type of |
| immediately. | | | | angioedema. Different treatments are required for |
| In some cases the presentation of angioedema | | | | the three different types of angioedema to |
| appears similar to hives. But while hives are | | | | maximize the alleviation of symptoms. |
| swellings on the skin's surface, angioedema is | | | | Summary: Quick detection is the most vital |
| classified by swelling below the skin's surface. | | | | aspect of treatment. Prognosis depends heavily |
| In some cases of angioedema individuals may | | | | on how quickly the condition was identified and |
| develop welts. The most common location for | | | | treated. The location of the swelling is also an |
| welts associated with angioedema is around the | | | | important variable in determining prognosis. |
| eyes or lips or on the throat, feet or hands. They | | | | In many cases the cause is never identified. The |
| sometimes appear uniform (lines), but at other | | | | allergen is not found. But common causes include: |
| times they are randomly spread in the area. | | | | animal dander, medication, exposure to sun, heat, |
| Abdominal cramping, swollen eyes, difficulty | | | | cold or water, pollen, foods, insects, etc. |
| breathing, swollen mouth and swelling in the | | | | |