Follow up and general advice
Most people who have an episode of angio-oedema will be referred to specialist (immunologist). This is to confirm the diagnosis, and where possible, to identify a cause. The severity of one episode compared to another is unpredictable. So, if you do have an allergy to something, it is best to be aware of what the allergy is.The specialist will also advise on such things as
- Whether it is likely to happen again.
- What to do if it does happen again.
- Whether you should carry an injection of adrenaline with you at all times in case you have a severe episode.
- Advice on avoiding the cause, if you are diagnosed as having an allergy.
What is the course and prognosis (outcome)?
- For sudden episodes of allergic angio-oedema - in most cases they are not severe or life-threatening, and will usually clear in 1-3 days. However, recurrences are common and the severity of each episode can vary. Some episodes are severe and life-threatening, especially if the angio-oedema is part of an anaphylactic episode.
- If your angio-oedema is due to a non-allergic drug reaction, then the episodes of angio-oedema can get more severe if the drug is not stopped.
- Idiopathic angio-oedema often has a 'waxing and waning' course. The severity of each episode can vary. If you have chronic urticaria, then treatment for this may help to prevent some episodes of angio-oedema.
- Hereditary angio-oedema can vary in severity.
References
- Angio-oedema and anaphylaxis. Clinical Knowledge Service. 2007
- Nedra Dodds and Richard Sinert. Angioedema. eMedicine. Article dated April 4 2005
- WR Heymann and KM Rossy. Angioedema, Hereditary. eMedicine. Article dated February 27 2006
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS and PiP have used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
© EMIS and PiP 2007 Updated: 9 May 2007 DocID: 6982 Version: 38
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