Angioedema refers to abrupt nonpitting swelling of the skin, mucous membranes, or both. It is most commonly observed affecting the lips and eyes (periorbital).
Other commonly involved areas may include extremities (hands and feet), genitalia, respiratory tract (edema of the tongue, pharynx, and larynx), gastrointestinal (colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), and cardiovascular (hypotension).
Edema of the upper airways may cause respiratory distress and stridor; the stridor may be mistaken for asthma. The airways may be completely obstructed.
Laryngeal swelling can be life-threatening, although pharyngeal edema and tongue swelling can be similarly disastrous if they are massive.
Acute . . .
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