Angioedema: sudden, deep swelling
Quick facts
- Definition
- Sudden swelling of the deep layers of the skin and mucous membranes, common in the lips, eyelids and tongue.
- Possible causes
- Allergy, medications, mediators such as bradykinin and hereditary causes.
- Difference from swelling
- Usually more sudden, more asymmetric and, at times, painless.
- Warning
- Swelling of the tongue or throat, or shortness of breath, is an emergency.
- Management
- Urgent assessment, by a qualified professional.
Angioedema is sudden swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes. It most often affects the lips, eyelids, face and tongue, and it can appear alone or together with hives.
How does it differ from ordinary swelling?
Swelling after a procedure is an expected response to the needle and the product, peaking in the first days and improving gradually. Angioedema appears abruptly, can suddenly make the face asymmetric and is not always related to the injection site.
| Aspect | Expected swelling | Angioedema |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Within hours, at the treated site | Sudden, may be away from the site |
| Course | Improves over the days | May worsen quickly |
| Associated signs | Mild discomfort | Itching, hives, shortness of breath |
What are the causes?
It may be a hypersensitivity reaction to a medication, food, anesthetic or a component of a product. There are also bradykinin-mediated forms, among them hereditary ones and those linked to some long-term medications. These forms do not respond like an ordinary allergy.
What should be recorded in the medical history?
The medical history should ask about previous episodes of sudden swelling, allergies, use of antihypertensives and other medications, and family history. This information can change the indication and the plan.
Hyaluronidase should be available when hyaluronic acid is used, but it treats the product, not the allergic mechanism. Do not confuse the two conditions.
Also known as: angioneurotic edema.
Frequently asked questions
Are angioedema and post-filler swelling the same thing?
No. Swelling after a procedure is expected and improves over the days. Angioedema is sudden swelling, of allergic or other cause, that can appear outside what is expected and, in some cases, threatens the airway.