Angioedema – a medical minute

Angioedema may be caused by an allergic reaction. During the reaction, histamine and other chemicals are released into the bloodstream. The body releases histamine when the immune system detects a foreign substance called an allergen.

In most cases, the cause of angioedema is never found.

The following may cause angioedema:

Animal dander (scales of shed skin)
Exposure to water, sunlight, cold or heat
Foods (such as berries, shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, and milk)
Insect bites
Medicines (drug allergy), such as antibiotics (penicillin and sulfa drugs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors)
Pollen