Angioedemas

Definitions & classifications

What is angioedema actually?

Angioedema is a sudden swelling of the skin. This swelling, when localized, can affect all parts of the body. Very often, the face, mouth, throat or hands. It can be painful or not. Angioedema is the color of the skin, it is not red. It is transient and disappears completely in 5 days maximum. Angioedema can recur in the same place or elsewhere on the body.


There are several types of angioedema, the cause and expression of which can vary. Depending on its etiology, angioedema can be mild or more severe.

Mast cell angioedema

Very common


90% of the cases observed are mast cell angioedemas without severity. These angioedemas are most spontaneous and benign. They can be associated with urticaria (itchy red patches). In very rare cases, they are allergic.


Diagnosis and management is often the responsibility of a physician who is an expert in angioedema.


Detail

Bradykinetic angioedema

Rare


They can be genetic or caused by medication. There are different types, including hereditary angioedema. C1-Inhibitor is involved and is subject to a specific dosage



Care is provided by a specialized center




Detail

The main causes of Angioedema

Allergic reaction: Exposure to allergens (food, insect bites, medications) triggers a release of histamine.


Medications: Certain medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause angioedema.


Hereditary angioedema: Rare genetic disease due to a deficiency in C1 inhibitor, leading to overproduction of bradykinin.


Acquired angioedema: Linked to autoimmune diseases, cancers or infections.


Physical triggers: Stress, surgical procedures, local trauma, menstruation, pregnancy.


Each cause may require different management depending on the mechanism involved.

Symptoms side

WARNING SIGNS


Angioedema attacks may be preceded by warning signs (prodromes), although these vary from person to person. The main signs are:


Common signs:

  • Rash: Pinkish halos in geographic patterns, without itching.
  • Fatigue: General feeling of exhaustion.


Rarer signs:

  • Mood changes: Irritability or aggression.
  • Anxiety: Feeling of anxiety.
  • Headache: Sudden headache.


Recognizing these signs can help patients prepare for a crisis and manage their condition more effectively.


Symptoms side

EVOLUTION OF THE DISEASE


The course of angioedema varies considerably from patient to patient, making symptomatology difficult to predict. Although symptoms may be similar, their intensity and frequency fluctuate over time, and some patients may experience asymptomatic periods.


In women, hormonal factors often influence the onset of seizures.


  • Puberty: Frequent worsening of symptoms.
  • Menstruation: Periods conducive to crises.
  • Pregnancy: Improvement for 30-50% of women, worsening for others.
  • Menopause: Variability of symptoms observed.


Stress, linked to daily challenges (family, professional, financial), constitutes a major triggering factor.