Skin Glossary · Distinguishing between conditions and causes
Angioedema
Related terms · Lip swelling · Periorbital edema · Deep swelling
Angioedema is a condition where the lips, area around the eyes, hands, or feet swell deeply, either along with urticaria or separately. Swelling of the tongue and throat, or difficulty breathing, can be an emergency.
Angioedema: Please check these three things first
- Angioedema is a condition where the deep layers of the skin suddenly swell, appearing on the lips, around the eyes, or on the hands and feet; it can occur alongside hives or on its own.
- The swelling can be deeper and last longer than surface wheals, and the causes vary, including not only allergies but also medications.
- If your tongue or throat swells, your voice changes, you have difficulty breathing, or you feel dizzy, seek immediate help from 119 or an emergency room.
What is angioedema?
It is a reaction where the deeper layers of the skin suddenly swell, which can appear on the lips or around the eyes. Angioedema is a state of deep swelling of the lips, area around the eyes, hands, or feet, occurring with or without hives. Swelling of the tongue and throat or difficulty breathing can be an emergency.
How is it different from similar conditions?
The swelling can be deeper and last longer than surface wheals.
Why is this important in skin care?
It is an important accompanying symptom used to determine safety boundaries for hives.
What should be checked based on my symptoms?
If your tongue or throat swells, you experience shortness of breath, or you feel dizzy, seek immediate emergency help.
First, check the location of the swelling and any changes in breathing or voice
Check whether only the lips and area around the eyes are swollen, or if there is swelling of the tongue and throat, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing. If there are changes in breathing or consciousness, seek immediate emergency help instead of waiting to take more photos or search for the cause.
Record not only what you ate but also new medications and recurrence patterns
List all foods, injections, and insect bites, as well as any prescription or over-the-counter medications that were newly started or had a dosage change before the swelling began. Whether wheals and itching were present, and if there is a family history of similar recurrent swelling, helps in identifying the cause. Do not arbitrarily retake a suspected medication to test the reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into angioedema
If only my lips are swollen, is it not an emergency?
Even if your breathing and voice are currently fine, the swelling may progress, so the cause must be evaluated. If tongue or throat swelling, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, or dizziness occurs, seek immediate emergency help.
Is angioedema always caused by food allergies?
No. There are various causes, including food, medication, and infection, and it can occur without hives. Please inform your medical provider about any exposures, medications taken, and whether this has recurred before the onset.
Related conditions and medical guidance
Check guides where this term is used
Evidence and Update Information
The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.
- American Academy of Dermatology Urticaria GuideWe have identified wheals, angioedema, and accompanying acute symptoms.