What is the treatment for angio-oedema?
Treating each episode
The most important thing is to determine whether an episode of angio-oedema affects breathing, or if it is part of an anaphylaxis episode.
- If breathing is affected or if you have any symptoms of anaphylaxis:
*You should go straight to your local casualty (accident and emergency department) or call for an ambulance urgently.
*You may be given adrenaline by injection, a course of antihistamines, and a short course of steroids. These help to prevent symptoms from getting worse, and help to clear the symptoms more quickly than they would do naturally.
*You will be observed until the symptoms subside.
*Help with breathing and intensive care may be needed in severe cases.
- If breathing is not affected and you feel otherwise OK:
*You may be advised to take a short course of antihistamines and steroid tablets. These help to prevent symptoms from getting worse, and help to clear the symptoms more quickly than they would do naturally.
*Most episodes of angio-oedema will clear away within a few days.
*A cool shower or a cold compress on the affected area may ease symptoms.
*If your skin is itchy it is best to try not to scratch as it may damage the skin. If necessary, rubbing itchy skin with the palms of your hands is better than scratching. Choose clothing that does not irritate the skin. Consider whether any skin creams, soaps, or detergents are making symptoms worse.
*If symptoms get worse and breathing does become affected, then go straight to your local casualty (accident and emergency department) or call for an ambulance urgently.
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