What is "angioedema"

n. (context pathology English) Swelling of the lower layers of the skin, often around the mouth, or of the mucosa or submucosa of the mouth or throat which can appear quickly in response to an allergen or due to other conditions

Angioedema, also known as angiooedema, Quincke's edema, and angioneurotic edema, is the rapid swelling ( edema) of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues. It is very similar to urticaria, but urticaria, commonly known as hives, occurs in the upper dermis.

Cases where angioedema progresses rapidly should be treated as a medical emergency, as airway obstruction and suffocation can occur. Epinephrine may be life-saving when the cause of angioedema is allergic. In the case of hereditary angioedema, treatment with epinephrine has not been shown to be helpful.