HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Angioedema (facial swelling)
Pupuhi ā-kanohi
Angioedema (facial swelling) is swelling caused by blood vessels leaking fluid into deep layers of your skin. It normally happens on your face, lips and tongue and can happen at the same time as hives. The swelling usually settles down within a week.
Angioedema is not usually dangerous unless the swelling makes it difficult to breathe.
If you or someone else has angioedema and cannot breathe properly, it may be a sign of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment. Follow the instructions for anaphylaxis.
Causes of angioedema
Sometimes, angioedema happens because of allergies to food, latex, medications or insect bites or autoimmune causes. Sometimes, the exact cause cannot be found.
A food allergy can be considered a cause of angioedema if it happens within an hour of eating a particular food. Allergy testing is sometimes used to confirm a suspected food allergy.
Two groups of medications occasionally cause angioedema. These are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) such as ibuprofen, and a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors (for example, cilazapril and enalapril).
Treating angioedema
Treatment includes avoiding any known triggers and a short course of antihistamine or steroid tablets.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- DermNet NZ – Angioedema
Detailed information about angioedema, including photos, symptoms, possible causes and treatments.
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Angioedema
More detailed information about angioedema.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIALL-38559
