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Angioedema Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Angioedema is swelling under the skin and tissues. It is caused by a leaking blood vessel. Hives is swelling on the top of the skin. You may have both of these at the same time. Sometimes, you may only have angioedema. The swelling can happen any place on the body. Some people have swelling on the face, tongue, lips, or throat. Other people have swelling on the arms, legs, belly, and lungs. Doctors do not always know what causes this swelling. Sometimes, it is an allergy to drugs, foods, animal fur, or bug bites. There may be something with the weather or the flowers and trees outside that is causing the swelling. ‚  
It is important to tell hives from angioedema because the care is different. Prevention is the most important step against angioedema. When the throat and lungs are affected, you should see a doctor right away. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • You doctor will give you drugs for pain and swelling. Take all the drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • During an attack, loosen tight clothing.
  • If you are itchy, you may put a cool damp washcloth over the itchy part. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the itchy part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  • If your angioedema is caused by heat, stay in a cool room with good air flow.
  • Put an air purifier in your room. This may help filter the air in your room.
  • Keep a list of what sets off your allergies. Stay away from them as much as possible.
    • Wear a mask when you need to go to parks and other crowded places if your trigger is airborne allergens.
    • When eating in a restaurant, always ask about the ingredients of a dish you want to have if your trigger for angioedema is food-related (like MSG).
  • Tell close friends and companions about your condition so that they may help you if needed.
  • If your attack was very bad, you may have needed help breathing. The doctors may have put a tube in your throat to help you breathe. Make sure you are comfortable caring for the tube if you will be going home with it.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • You may be asked to take a different kind of heart drug if the doctor feels that was causing your problem.
  • Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
  • Your doctor may have you go see an expert. You may need to see an allergy expert called an immunologist.
  • You may have to go see a dietitian. This is someone who can help you find out if certain foods are causing the angioedema.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Ease itching
  • Fight allergies
  • Fight or prevent an infection
  • Help prevent a reaction

Your doctor may also switch you to different kinds of drugs for your other medical problems. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


If your angioedema is triggered by exercise, take your drugs before exercising. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Infection
  • Angioedema returns

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Do not take any drugs unless ordered by your doctor.
  • Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, health additives, or herbs.
  • Do not take aspirin for a headache or other problems unless ordered by your doctor.
  • Avoid things that may set off your swelling. This may include things like getting too hot, eating spicy food, or drinking alcohol.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Swollen lips or throat
  • Sudden breathing problems
  • Chest pain
  • Upset stomach and throwing up
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you the difference between angioedema and hives.
  • I can tell you what may help me feel better during an attack.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I suddenly have trouble breathing.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚  
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/allergic-skin-conditions.aspx ‚  
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy ‚  
http://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/aer/infobulletins/2010pdf/AER_Angioedema.pdf ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/98/viewAbstract ‚  
World Allergy Organization ‚  
http://www.worldallergy.org/professional/allergic_diseases_center/urticaria/urticariasynopsis.php ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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