Angioedema – manage symptoms and stay healthy

Find out what triggers this allergic reaction and what you can do to manage symptoms while waiting for treatment. 

Symptoms of angioedema

When to seek emergency medical care

Common causes of angioedema

When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed 

What’s the treatment?

Self-care and lifestyle tips

Angioedema is a sudden swelling beneath the skin, often triggered by an allergy. In severe cases, it can affect the throat, leading to breathing difficulties, which require urgent medical attention. Find out more and which treatment can help.

If you have a sudden swelling beneath your skin it could be due to angioedema.

The condition is usually set off due to something your body is allergic to, such as a certain food or medicine, for example. 

Angioedema usually affects areas like your face, hands, or feet. Other areas can be affected, and, less commonly, the condition can sometimes affect your throat and obstruct your breathing, needing emergency treatment.

Read on to find out more about triggers, symptoms, and the treatments that can help.


## Symptoms of angioedema

Depending on where it is, angioedema can cause symptoms including:
- swelling in your hands or feet
- puffy or swollen eyes, lips, and tongue
- swollen genitals
- problems including diarrhea, belly pain, nausea, and vomiting if your intestines are swollen 
- feeling dizzy or passing out (fainting) if you have changes in blood pressure
- finding it hard to breathe and talk if your mouth or throat are swollen - get emergency medical help.  

Welts or swelling can show up on the skin’s surface too, which is known as [urticaria (hives)](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/nettle-rash).

Get help with this

## When to seek emergency medical care
Call emergency services immediately if you or someone with you has:
- sudden swelling in the mouth, tongue, lips or throat 
- breathing difficulties (feeling wheezy, choking, or gasping for breath), or fast breathing
- blue, gray, or pale lips, tongue or skin (might be easier to see on palms or soles if you have black or brown skin)
- difficulty swallowing 
- confusion, dizziness, or is feeling drowsy
- lost consciousness.

If you have an adrenaline auto-injector (like an EpiPen), use it as instructed while waiting for help.

These symptoms could signal a severe allergic reaction ([anaphylaxis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/anaphylaxis)), which is life-threatening.


## Common causes of angioedema
Understanding the root cause of angioedema is key to managing it. There are several different types, but most causes are usually down to allergies. These include allergic reaction to:
- foods (nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs)
- medications (certain antibiotics, NSAIDs like ibuprofen)
- insect bites or stings (wasps, bees)
- latex (found in gloves, balloons, condoms). 

Other causes of the condition include:
- __drug-induced angioedema__ (which is different to an allergy), which can include ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure
- __hereditary angioedema__ (HAE), a rare genetic condition affecting the immune system
- __idiopathic angioedema__, where the cause is not always clear but possible triggers are thought to include stress or infection. 


## When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed 
You won’t always need to see a doctor for angioedema, for example in the case where your swelling is mild and in a small part of your body. 

If you have a lot of swelling or this is affecting your lips, tongue, or throat you’ll need to get [emergency care right away](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/angioedema#getting-emergency-care). 

You should get an urgent doctor’s appointment if you notice sudden swelling in a part of your body, like your hands, feet, or genitals.

It may not be obvious what has [caused your angioedema](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/angioedema#causes) and you may have a physical exam plus blood or skin tests. 

You may also be asked questions about anything that could have caused an allergic reaction from food you ate to something you put on your skin. Your doctor will also want to know about any medication you’re taking, and about your family medical history. 


## What’s the treatment?
Treatment depends on the type of angioedema you have. For allergic and idiopathic types this can include: 

- __antihistamines:__ these block the effects of histamine, reducing swelling. Non-drowsy options like cetirizine or loratadine are ideal for daytime use 
- __steroids:__ for severe swelling, short courses of steroids (prednisolone is the preferred choice) may be prescribed. They work quickly but have side effects, so they’re used sparingly
- __avoiding triggers:__ identify and steer clear of known allergens (e.g., certain foods, medications). Ways to do this include checking labels carefully and notifying others about your allergies ie when eating out.

For drug-induced angioedema your doctor will usually switch you to an alternative medication.

If you have hereditary angioedema, taking preventive medications to reduce the frequency of swelling can help. On-demand treatments such as injectable medications can also be used to quickly treat swelling episodes.


## Self-care and lifestyle tips
If you have angioedema and it’s caused by an allergy, avoiding what triggers the reaction will prevent it from happening again. But some types, such as hereditary angioedema, can recur. 

Alongside getting the right treatment for your condition, you can try:
- __resting and staying hydrated__ – swelling often subsides within a few days
- __apply a cool compress__ to the swollen area to ease discomfort
- __keeping a diary__ — track your symptoms, foods, and activities to identify patterns
- __staying prepared__ — if you have severe allergies and need an adrenaline auto-injector, always carry it
- __prioritizing stress management__ practices like yoga, mindfulness, or regular exercise can help reduce flare-ups triggered by stress.

Angioedema may feel alarming, but with knowledge and a clear plan, you can manage it confidently. Talk to your doctor about any concerns and take proactive steps to support your wellbeing.


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References

Fiona Bugler

Jo Wheatley

Dr Ewan O'Farrell

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Find out what triggers this allergic reaction and what you can do to manage symptoms while waiting for treatment.