Disease
Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Overview of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Quincke’s Edema also known as angioedema, is a sudden and severe swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes. This condition typically affects areas like the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands and genitals. It may occur alone or alongside urticaria (hives)—raised, red, itchy welts on the skin. While many cases are allergic in origin, some may be hereditary or caused by other triggers. Quincke’s Edema can become life-threatening when it leads to airway obstruction, requiring immediate medical care.
Types of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
- Allergic Angioedema: Triggered by allergens like food, medication, insect bites.
- Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): A rare genetic disorder due to C1-inhibitor deficiency.
- Drug-Induced Angioedema: Often caused by ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, or antibiotics.
- Idiopathic Angioedema: No clear cause is found despite testing.
- Acquired Angioedema: Non-hereditary and often associated with other medical conditions like lymphoproliferative disorders.
Symptoms of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Rapid swelling of the face, lips, eyelids, tongue, throat or extremities Tingling or burning sensation before the swelling starts Difficulty breathing or swallowing (in severe cases) Itchy, red hives or welts on the skin (may or may not be present) Voice changes or hoarseness if the throat is involved Abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea (especially in hereditary types).
Causes of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Allergic reactions to foods (nuts, eggs, shellfish), insect stings or medications Genetic mutations in C1-inhibitor gene (Hereditary Angioedema) Medications such as ACE inhibitors or NSAIDs Physical triggers like pressure, temperature changes, or stress Autoimmune disorders or infections in some cases
Complications in Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Airway obstruction due to throat or tongue swelling Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction Recurrent attacks affecting quality of life (especially in HAE) Emotional distress and anxiety from visible swelling Delayed diagnosis in idiopathic or hereditary types
Risk Factors of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Family history of Hereditary Angioedema Known allergies to food, medications, or insect bites Autoimmune diseases like lupus or thyroid conditions Use of certain drugs, particularly ACE inhibitors Stress or trauma, which can trigger or worsen attacks
Preventions of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
Avoid known allergens (foods, drugs, or environmental triggers) Use antihistamines or epinephrine pens if prescribed Genetic counseling for families with HAE history Avoid ACE inhibitors if you’ve had angioedema before Stress management to reduce frequency of attacks
Wear a medical alert ID if you’re at risk for severe allergic reactions
Diagnosis of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
- Clinical examination and patient history evaluation
- Blood tests for C4 and C1-inhibitor levels (for HAE)
- Allergy testing to identify potential triggers
- Skin prick or patch tests for allergic causes
- Complement testing for acquired forms of angioedema
Treatments of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
- Antihistamines and corticosteroids for allergic angioedema
- Epinephrine injection in emergency allergic reactions
- C1-inhibitor replacement therapy in hereditary cases
- Bradykinin receptor antagonists (like icatibant) for HAE
- Discontinuing culprit drugs, such as ACE inhibitors
- Hospital admission and airway support for severe cases
Prognosis of Quincke’s Edema (Angioedema)
- Favorable prognosis if identified early and treated promptly
- Chronic or recurrent cases may require long-term management
- Hereditary forms can be controlled with ongoing preventive treatment
- Fatal outcomes are rare but can occur without proper emergency care
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised care plans tailored to the cause (allergic, hereditary, or idiopathic)
- Access to advanced diagnostic tools and allergy testing
- Expert consultation with immunologists and allergists
- Emergency care and airway management during acute attacks
- Long-term management and counseling for chronic cases
- International patient support with multilingual assistance and 24/7 care
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What is causing my swelling or hives?
- Could this be a genetic condition like Hereditary Angioedema?
- Do I need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector?
- How can I prevent future attacks?
- Are there any long-term effects of this condition?
- What tests do I need to confirm my diagnosis?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- A thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history
- Immediate action if swelling involves the throat or airway
- Clear explanation of potential causes and necessary tests
- Discussion of family history to assess genetic risk
- Emergency plan and treatment strategy for future attacks
- Education about avoiding triggers and recognizing warning signs
- A compassionate and calm approach during acute episodes
- Follow-up plan to monitor and manage chronic or hereditary forms