Angioedema in Charlottesville

Angioedema refers to a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. Angioedema can sometimes accompany urticaria or hives. Unlike urticaria, it is usually not red or itchy. Angioedema usually involves swelling in the body's soft tissue, often involving the mouth, eyelids, tongue, hands, feet or genitals. If angioedema lasts for a brief duration and doesn't recur, often ranging from minutes to days), it is referred to as acute. This is commonly associated with an allergic response to foods or medications. On the other hand, chronic recurrent angioedema occurs with a recurrent course after a long time. It is often difficult to find an identifiable cause for the chronic form.

(Information only; not intended to replace medical advice; adapted from AAAAI)