Angioedema is a condition characterized by severe swelling beneath the skin, especially in the face, lips, eyes, hands and feet. Symptoms include swelling, hives, pain, abnormal cramping and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by allergic reactions, hereditary factors, lupus, leukemia, or autoimmune diseases. Testing may include allergy testing or blood tests. While swelling can last for days, angioedema is usually not life-threatening unless it causes airway blockage. Treatment focuses on avoiding triggers, using antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine shots, or emergency help for breathing issues.

1. Angioedema
Marissa Carroll

2. • Severe swelling
beneath the skin.
Definition

3. Signs and Symptoms
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Swelling (lips, *eyes*, face, hands and feet)
Hives
Pain
Abnormal Cramping
Breathing Difficulty
**Chemosis: swelling of the eyes**

5. Causes
• Allergic Reaction (EX: animal dander,
chemicals, heat/cold, food, medicines, pollen)
• Hereditary
• Lupus: Chronic inflammatory disease in the
immune system that attacks organs and
tissues
• Leukemia
• Auto Immune Diseases

6. Testing
• Allergy Testing
• Blood Tests: testing for immune system
deficiencies

7. Prognosis
• Swelling can last for days but it isn’t life
threatening
• This can be life threatening if there is an
airway blockage

8. Treatment
• Breathing Difficulties: Inhaler and worse case
Seek emergency help
• Avoid Known Triggers
• Cool Compresses/Soaks (for pain relief)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Epinephrine Shots (EPI Pen)
• Allergy Medications

10. • Cool Compress’
• Bath Soaks (Aveeno Bath Treatments)
• Avoid strong soaps, detergents and chemicals
that will come in contact with the body
CNA Care

11. WORK CITED
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