Angioedema

What is it?

Angioedema is an allergic reaction characterized by swelling that occurs beneath the skin, most commonly around the eyes and of the lips.

Symptoms

The main symptom is the sudden swelling below the skin surface. Swelling may also occur on the hands, feet, and throat. The swelling itself may form a line or be more spread out. Associated symptoms include hives, abdominal cramps, and swollen eyes, mouth and lining of the eyes.

Severe, prolonged tissue swelling may be disfiguring. On rare occasions, angioedema of the throat, tongue, or lungs can block the airways and result in difficulty breathing.

Causes

Animal dander, food allergens, insect bites/stings, medication and pollen are common causes of this allergy response.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of angioedema is based on the presence of the symptoms listed above.

sources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000846.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/angioedema