angioedema /an′jē·ō′idē″mə/ , a dermal, subcutaneous, or submucosal swelling that is acute, painless, and of short duration. It may involve the face, neck, lips, larynx, hands, feet, genitalia, or viscera. Angioedema may be hereditary or the result of a food or drug allergy, an infection, emotional stress, or a reaction to blood products. Treatment depends on the cause. Severe angioedema may require subcutaneous injections of epinephrine, intubation, or tracheotomy to prevent respiratory obstruction. Prevention depends on the identification and avoidance of causative factors. Also called angioneurotic edema. See also anaphylaxis, serum sickness, urticaria.
