Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Angioedema

Diagnosis is mainly based on the appearance of the skin, which will be swollen and tender, and on other symptoms such as difficulty breathing.

Your doctor will ask whether you’ve been exposed to any irritants or allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction). You’ll need to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, herbal supplements and vitamins. If you know, or suspect, that a particular substance such as latex gloves or an insect bite has caused the reaction, this will help your doctor find the best treatment.

In some cases, allergy skin or blood tests are carried out, to work out what has caused the allergic reaction.

If your doctor thinks you have the inherited form of angioedema, you might have a blood test to check for levels of a blood protein, the C1 inhibiting factor.

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