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Angioedema

Kathryn M Brown, ScM, MD and Katherine Montag Schafer, BCACP, PharmD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

Angioedema (AE) is acute, localized swelling of skin, mucosa, and submucosa caused by extravasation of fluid into the affected tissues (1). 

DESCRIPTION

  • AE commonly occurs as a part of the prese...

DIAGNOSIS

  • AAE:

    • Lack of positive family history of AE

    • Assess for:

      • Exposure to common allergens: foods, (shellfish, nuts, eggs, milk, wheat soy), latex, insect bites/stings, medicatio...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Intubation if airway is threatened

  • Eliminate suspected trigger.

  • Volume replacement is essential for patients who are unstable or refractory to initial therapy.

MEDICATION

First Line

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

Educate on avoidance of identified triggers, types of treatment, when to seek emergency care, and wearing medical alert bracelet. 

PROGNOSIS

  • AE symptoms often resolve in ho...

REFERENCES

1
Cicardi M, Aberer W, Baneri A, et at. Classification, diagnosis, and approach to treatment for angioedema: consensus report from the Hereditary Angioedema International Working Group. Alle...

SEE ALSO

Anaphylaxis; Urticaria 

CODES

ICD10

  • T78.3XXA Angioneurotic edema, initial encounter

  • D84.1 Defects in the complement system

SNOMED

  • 41291007 angioedema (disorder)

  • 82966003 Hereditary angioneurotic edema (disorder)

  • 402388007 Allergic...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • AE is an acute, localized swelling of skin, mucosa, and submucosa caused by extravasation of fluid into the affected tissues.

  • If AE occurs in the presence of wheals, the patients should...

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