European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
-
Angioedema is characterized by localized swelling of subcutaneous tissues or mucosa of the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. Laryngeal involvement may threaten airway patency and can be fatal if not addressed promptly. ⋯ In the emergency department, it is essential not only that acute angioedema is identified as quickly as possible but also that the likely working diagnosis is established so that the most effective treatment may be administered to resolve potentially life-threatening swelling. In this paper, we present an overview of the various types of angioedema, and offer a practical diagnostic and therapeutic approach to their management.