Case+Study

=Signs and Symptoms of Angioedema=

__Introduction__:
The signs and symptoms that characterize an attack of angioedema vary by patient. General health, age, and personal triggers play a role in the onset, symptoms and duration of symptoms. Scientists and Physicians have been able to isolate some symptoms that a patient will exhibit during an episode of angioedema. From the 2010 International consensus algorithm for the diagnosis, therapy and management of hereditary angioedema health care professionals and biomedical researchers are able to utilize the algorithm to recognize and classify hereditary angioedema. **Figure 1**. 36-year-old woman with hereditary angioedema. CT scan shows  prominent fold thickening of ileum. Pelvic ascites is also present. **__Clinical symptoms (1) __:** **__Triggers of an attack (1) __** :
 * Nonpruritic erythematous rash, sometimes in the shape of an "S" in prodromal stage
 * Edema of skin and submucosal tissues associated with pain
 * Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
 * Laryngeal swellings (life-threatening).
 * Stress
 * Infections
 * Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I)
 * Menstruation
 * Pregnancy
 * Oral contraceptives

If an attack of angioedema goes untreated the period of symptoms may last from 48 to 96 hours (1). The symptoms of this attack can appear mild, and may lead some individuals to believe that they were merely an allergic reaction. However, medical response and diagnostic tests are necessary because an attack will not respond to treatment with glucocorticoids or antihistamines, and epinephrine has mild effect (1). The later stages of an untreated attack of angioedema can result in death especially when a patient's airway is involved.

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1. Bowen, T, & Bork, K. (2010). 2010 international consensus algorithm for the diagnosis, therapy and management of hereditary angioedema. Proceedings of the Hereditary Angioedema- Management Consensus 2010, [] 10.1186/1710-1492-6-24.