Reasons for angioedema

Angioedema affects deeper tissues and may cause sudden swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, feet or genitals. It can occur with hives, although hives affect more superficial skin. Foods, insect stings and medicines are possible triggers. Some blood-pressure medicines can cause swelling even after a person has taken them for a long time. Recurrent episodes without hives may point to a different pathway, including an inherited or acquired form. A careful timeline helps distinguish a trigger from a coincidence.

Write down what was eaten, taken or applied before the swelling, and photograph the change if safe to do so. Avoid a suspected trigger until a clinician reviews it, but do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice unless emergency professionals tell you to. A clinician may recommend an antihistamine treatment or another plan based on the pattern and cause. Keep follow-up information available if episodes recur.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, voice change, wheezing, trouble breathing, faintness, or difficulty swallowing. Rapidly spreading swelling also needs urgent assessment. Even when breathing is normal, new or recurrent angioedema should be reviewed so possible medicine triggers and future risks can be addressed.

Ask what pattern your symptoms fit, whether a medicine could be involved, whether hives change the assessment, what to do if swelling returns, and whether your household needs a written emergency plan.