Angioedema of the mouth: signs, actions and urgent care

The lips, inner cheeks, tongue, or nearby tissues may enlarge suddenly. Even when the swelling begins mildly, watch closely because involvement inside the mouth can affect the airway.

Angioedema is fluid-related swelling beneath the surface tissues. It can occur alone or alongside raised, itchy hives. Possible triggers include foods, medicines, insect stings, or an illness, although an episode may have no obvious trigger.

Lip swelling can look dramatic without blocking airflow, but swelling of the tongue, floor of the mouth, or throat is more concerning. Note whether itching or hives are present, what happened before the swelling, and whether a recently started medicine could be relevant.

Stop eating or drinking if swallowing feels difficult. Sit upright, remove any removable dental appliance if it is becoming tight, and avoid a suspected food or medicine until a clinician advises you. Do not place ice inside the mouth where it could become a choking hazard.

Follow a previously provided allergy or angioedema action plan. Use prescribed emergency adrenaline exactly as instructed when the plan calls for it, then contact emergency services. An antihistamine may help histamine-related itching or hives, but it must not delay emergency care for airway symptoms.

Call emergency services immediately for noisy or difficult breathing, throat tightness, a hoarse or altered voice, drooling, trouble swallowing saliva, faintness, confusion, or rapidly increasing swelling. Do not drive yourself if breathing may be affected.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a first episode, recurrent unexplained episodes, or swelling that follows a medicine. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and describe the timing of foods, stings, exercise, or infections before the reaction.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a histamine-related reaction or another form of angioedema, which medicines should be avoided, whether you need an emergency action plan, and what symptoms should trigger use of prescribed adrenaline. Photographs taken safely during an episode can help show how the swelling developed.