Definition & Etiology
Definition
- Angioedema: localised swelling affecting the face, lips, tongue, eyelids, hands, feet and genitalia. Can occur in isolation or with urticaria
- Anaphylaxis: severe life-threatening allergic reaction affecting the airway, breathing and circulation
Etiology
- Allergic and non-allergic forms
Non-allergic causes: drug-induced (ACE inhibitors in black people), hereditary, acquired (secondary to lymphoma/connective tissue disorders), idiopathic