HealthInfo Canterbury

Angioedema (facial swelling)

Angioedema is a swelling caused by blood vessels leaking fluid into the tissues. It normally happens on the face, lips, and tongue and can happen with hives (urticaria). Angioedema is not usually dangerous, unless the swelling makes it difficult to breathe.

If you or someone else has angioedema and can't breathe properly, it may be a sign of anaphylaxis. Follow the instructions for anaphylaxis.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy – Angioedema

  Two-page factsheet covering the symptoms, possible causes, and treatments for angioedema.

• Urticaria and angioedema

  Short, basic factsheet about urticaria and angioedema.

• DermNet NZ – Angioedema

  Detailed information about angioedema, including photos, symptoms, possible causes, and treatments.

• Patient.info – Angioedema

  Information from respected UK website, Patient.info.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Updated October 2015.

Page reference: 48932

Review key: HIAOE-22227