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Angioedema
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Angioedema is swelling that happens in the deep layer of the skin and of the mucous membranes, the moist lining inside the mouth, the throat, and the bowel. It can involve the lips, the face, the neck, the limbs, the mouth, the larynx, which is the part of the throat that holds the vocal cords, or the bowel. Fluid collects in the deep layer, not at the surface: press on it and no dent stays behind.
One of two substances pulls that fluid out of the vessels. One is histamine, released by mast cells and basophils, defense cells loaded with granules. The other is bradykinin. Both do the same thing: they make the microvessels in the area, meaning the finest vessels, more permeable, and fluid leaks out into the tissue.
Telling them apart matters. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema does not come with urticaria, those itchy welts; it lasts longer, and it is life-threatening when the swelling reaches the larynx.
In brief
Angioedema is localized, non-pitting edema of subcutaneous or submucosal tissue involving the lips, face, neck, limbs, mouth, larynx, or bowel.
Fluid collects in the deep layer, not at the surface: press on it and no dent stays behind.
Two mediators drive it: histamine, released by mast cells and basophils, or bradykinin; both increase the permeability of local microvessels.
Bradykinin-mediated angioedema occurs without urticaria, lasts longer, and is life-threatening when it involves the larynx.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingAngioedema, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated