Abstract
Angioedema manifests as episodes of localized swelling in the dermis and submucosa.
The key to successful management is detection and avoidance of triggers, early recognition
of attacks, and aggressive airway management when warranted. Review of a patient’s
medication list may identify drugs that include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
or angiotensin receptor blockers as the cause. Initial treatment in a patient presenting
with most forms of angioedema includes antihistamines and glucocorticoids if required.
Epinephrine should be administered if there is concern for laryngeal edema. Patients
who have a known history of hereditary angioedema should receive C1 esterase inhibitor
concentrate or fresh-frozen plasma.
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
This work was supported by R01-HL-069949, R01-AI 054660, and R01-AI070672.
Richard D. deShazo, MD, Specialty Editor
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
