Angioedema

Angioedema is a localized swelling of the skin and submucosal tissues and is generally benign and self-limiting. However, it can be life threatening if angioedema involves the upper airway, resulting in airway obstruction. Airway protection would be critical and lifesaving in patients with angioedema irrespective of the underlying etiology. Detailed history and physical examination can help identify the underlying mechanism of angioedema in an individual patient (ie, mast-cell versus bradykinin-mediated angioedema). Treatment of angioedema depends on the underlying etiology. Mast cell-mediated angioedema is generally responsive to steroids, antihistamines, and epinephrine (when in-dicated), unlike bradykinin-mediated disease.