Angioedema, also known as
angiooedema,
Quincke's edema, and
angioneurotic edema, is the rapid swelling (
edema) of the
dermis,
subcutaneous tissue,
mucosa and submucosal tissues. It is very similar to
urticaria, but urticaria, commonly known as hives, occurs in the upper dermis. Cases where angioedema progresses rapidly should be treated as a
medical emergency, as
airway obstruction and
suffocation can occur.
Epinephrine may be life-saving when the cause of angioedema is allergic. In the case of hereditary angioedema, treatment with
epinephrine has not been shown to be helpful.
