Angioedema
Angioedema is swelling that happens in the deeper layers of the skin, most often around the eyes, lips, hands, feet or genitals. It often appears alongside hives, but it can also happen on its own. Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and treats angioedema in adults and children across our New Jersey offices.
How It Differs From Hives
Hives are raised, itchy welts on the surface of the skin. Angioedema is swelling underneath the skin, so it does not look the same and it does not behave the same.
Angioedema tends to feel tight, burning or painful rather than itchy. It also usually takes longer to settle than a typical hive.
The two conditions often occur together, but each can also happen without the other, which is part of why an accurate evaluation matters.
When Swelling Is an Emergency
Swelling of the tongue, the throat or the lips that affects breathing or swallowing needs emergency care immediately. Do not wait to see whether it settles on its own.
Call 911 right away. If you already have an emergency plan, follow it now and seek care without delay.
What Causes It
Angioedema can follow a reaction to a food, a medication or an insect sting. It can also accompany long-standing hives, and it can sometimes run in families.
In many cases, no single cause is found. This is common, and it does not mean the problem is not real — it simply means the evaluation focuses on managing symptoms and preparing for episodes rather than on a single trigger.
How We Diagnose It
We start with a careful history of what happened, when it happened, and what came before it. This history is often the most useful piece of information we have.
Where a specific trigger is suspected, allergy testing can help confirm it. Where the pattern suggests it, blood testing may also be used to guide the evaluation.
How We Treat It
Our approach to treating angioedema includes:
Managing Medication
We help you manage medication to reduce your symptoms and keep episodes under control.
Identifying and Avoiding Triggers
We work with you to identify any trigger that is found and how to avoid it.
An Emergency Plan
For swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, we make sure you have a clear emergency plan in place.
An Individual Treatment Plan
We build a treatment plan specific to you and review it with you over time.