Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

Yes No

Leave this Site?

The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site.

Continue Cancel
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Merck Manual
Consumer Version
The trusted provider of medical information since 1899
Health Topics & Chapters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Home /
Quick Facts: Immune Disorders /
Allergic Reactions and Other Hypersensitivity Disorders /
... /
Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema /
IN THIS TOPIC

What are hereditary and acquired angioedema?

What causes hereditary or acquired angioedema?

What can trigger an attack of angioedema?

What are the symptoms of hereditary and acquired angioedema?

How can doctors tell if I have hereditary or acquired angioedema?

How do doctors treat hereditary and acquired angioedema?

Blocked airway treatment

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Allergic Reactions and Other Hypersensitivity Disorders
Overview of Allergic Reactions
Anaphylactic Reactions
Angioedema
Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema
Autoimmune Diseases
Exercise-Induced Allergic Reactions
Food Allergy
Mastocytosis
Seasonal Allergy
Year-Round Allergies

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

Test your knowledge

Decreased Libido in Men
Which of the following is the most frequent cause of persistently low libido, or sex drive, in men?
Click here for Veterinary content
Click here for Veterinary content
Click here for Veterinary content

More Content

Loading
Quick Facts

Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2019
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details
Topic Resources

What are hereditary and acquired angioedema?

Angioedema is swelling of your face, lips, tongue, and throat that is usually caused by an allergic reaction. But angioedema can also be caused by a certain problem with your immune system.

  • Hereditary angioedema is an immune system problem you're born with

  • Acquired angioedema is an immune system problem caused by another illness or condition

Hereditary and acquired angioedema are like angioedema caused by an allergic reaction, but they don't itch and you don't get hives (red, itchy, raised patches on the skin).

  • Your lips, tongue, and throat may swell, which can cause trouble breathing

  • You may feel sick to your stomach and throw up

  • Doctors can use medicines to treat and prevent the swelling

What causes hereditary or acquired angioedema?

Hereditary angioedema is genetic (a trait inherited from a parent). The condition is present at birth, but symptoms usually start when you’re a child or teenager.

Acquired angioedema can develop after you get certain cancers or autoimmune diseases (a disease that causes your body's immune system to attack its own tissues). Symptoms usually start later in life.

What can trigger an attack of angioedema?

In both hereditary and acquired angioedema, swelling may be triggered by:

  • Minor injury

  • Infection

  • Certain foods

  • Pregnancy

  • Cold

  • Stress

What are the symptoms of hereditary and acquired angioedema?

Symptoms can include painful swelling in your:

  • Face

  • Lips

  • Tongue

  • Hands

  • Feet

  • Genitals

  • Lining of your mouth, throat, airways, and digestive tract

Other symptoms include:

  • Feeling sick to your stomach

  • Throwing up

  • Cramps

Swelling in the voice box, throat, or tongue can cause breathing problems.

How can doctors tell if I have hereditary or acquired angioedema?

Doctors suspect hereditary or acquired angioedema if you have swelling but no hives. To know for sure, they'll do:

  • Blood tests

How do doctors treat hereditary and acquired angioedema?

Doctors treat you with:

  • Medicine that helps your immune system

Doctors may also give you medicines to prevent swelling, particularly before known triggers.

Blocked airway treatment

If your airway swells and you have problems breathing, doctors will need to open your airway. To do this, they may:

  • Give you a shot to lessen swelling

  • Put in a breathing tube through your nose or mouth

  • If there is too much swelling around the nose and mouth, put in a breathing tube by cutting into the skin over your windpipe

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA)
Angioedema
Autoimmune Diseases
Others also read
Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema
Angioedema Angioedema
Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders Overview of Immunodeficiency Disorders

Also of Interest

SOCIAL MEDIA

Click here for Veterinary content
Click here for Veterinary content
Click here for Veterinary content

Merck and the Merck Manuals

Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Merck Manual was first published in 1899 as a service to the community. The legacy of this great resource continues as the Merck Manual in the US and Canada and the MSD Manual outside of North America. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge.

TRUSTe
TRUSTe

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
TOP