Angioedema is a rapid swelling in the deeper layers of skin which can be likened to that of urticaria or hives, a kind of skin rash often encountered along with itchy bumps. The only difference this has is that urticaria occurs on the surface not under the skin. Treatment for angioedema depends on the case. Angioedema can be hereditary and acquired. Hereditary cases are often treated with epinephrine while those that are acquired where airway obstruction and suffocation likely occur are treated as a medical emergency.

Angioedema is normally caused by allergic reaction. Naturally, histamine is released through the bloodstream the moment one's immune system recognizes strange substances particularly allergens. In some cases, allergic reasons do not pose significant swelling which is why typical allergic reactions are treated not with medical drugs targeting both ailments.

People with sensitive skin can experience angioedema after long exposure to water, heat or sunlight. Some get this through what they eat. Berries, nuts and eggs are the common culprits which trigger under-skin swelling. Other individuals may encounter this minutes or hours after taking allergy medications like antibiotics, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory and blood pressure medicines.

Sting and insect bites can also prompt edema appearance. Bites even from ants can cause serious itching. Although allergic reaction to mosquito bite or sting from wasps and bees are never encountered by most individuals oftentimes, there are instances that impel nervous system reaction that cause an intensified rise of edema.

Also, this occur after suffering serious infections and ailments such as lymphoma and lupus. In most cases, the swelling are quite evident around the eyes or lips. It can be found around the throat or feet as well. This swelling is most noticeable as it forms a line by the time it spreads out.

This may run in families. And what fuels this swelling to appear is the improper function of the C1 inhibitor of an individual. C1 inhibitor is a protease inhibitor secreting the necessary amount of protein in the body. Protein deficiency can affect the blood vessels. People with such syndrome may develop rapid swelling around the face, trachea, hands, feet and larynx.

Abdominal cramping, chemosis and difficulty of breathing are other known symptoms of this. While mild symptoms may need no treatment, moderate to severe require certain medications other than allergen. People suffering from this are advised to avoid anything that causes such symptoms and over-the-counter products that are prescribed by a physician.

Inhalers, antihistamines and epinephrine shots are good especially when having trouble breathing. Cool compresses could significantly alleviate pain yet those having history of severe symptoms must carry some epinephrine shots wherever they go. Some anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids could be helpful for the swelling as well as due to their capability to block different immune system responses to certain allergic medications.

The right treatment for angioedema will be attained only upon consultation with the health care professional. And if the medication given does not seem to react, it is better to go to the emergency room right away especially when fainting and wheezing.