Angioedema is a rare condition that causes swelling beneath the skin. It can be a lifelong hereditary condition, or you may develop it later in life. At AllergyWaco, we are here to help you learn more about possible treatment options to help control the symptoms and frequency of your angioedema attacks to minimize the condition's impact on your life.
WHAT IS ANGIOEDEMA?
Angioedema is a type of skin reaction that looks and acts much like hives. It is generally found deeper in the skin than regular hives, and its swelling and redness are most commonly found on the face. Angioedema can occur as an allergic reaction. However, hereditary and acquired angioedema are health conditions that are caused by low or malfunctioning proteins, called C1 inhibitors, rather than a particular allergen.
HEREDITARY AND ACQUIRED ANGIOEDEMA
Hereditary angioedema is a genetic condition that causes swelling under the skin. It is most often found on the face, particularly on the cheeks and near the eyes and lips, but it can also be found in the lungs, throat, stomach, and other areas. Children who have a parent that has hereditary angioedema have an approximately 50 percent chance of developing the condition.
Acquired angioedema has similar symptoms to hereditary angioedema, but it typically occurs later in life instead of being a genetic condition. It is most common in adults over 40.
ANGIOEDEMA ATTACKS
Both hereditary and acquired angioedema attacks often occur with no obvious trigger. However, stress can be a factor in causing some angioedema attacks, which can occur as often as weekly or as little as yearly. Most attacks last between two and five days.
If you're looking for an allergist in the Waco, Texas area to help you manage your hereditary or acquired angioedema, look no further than AllergyWaco. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options or to schedule an appointment!
