Allergy Clinic              Prof Jonathan Brostoff

       Tackle the causes as well as the symptoms                 Dr Michael Radcliffe
 

Allergy Clinics

Allergy & Hypersensitivity  |  The Allergy Epidemic  |   Allergy Treatment  |  Allergy Tests

 

NHS Hospitals providing allergy services

 

Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, St John's Wood, North London

 

Sarum Road Private Hospital, Winchester, Hampshire

 

 

 

 

 

Conditions

 

 

 

Hay Fever and Rhinitis

 

 

Asthma and its relationship to allergy

 

 

Eczema and Dermatitis

 

 

Food Allergy and Intolerance

 

 

Hives, nettle rash and allergic swelling of skin and mucous membranes

 

 

Anaphylaxis; What causes it and how to cope with it

 

 

Lip, tongue and mouth symptoms caused by fruits and vegetables

 

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis and Crohn's Disease: Are they caused by allergy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allergens

 

 

 

The House Dust Mite and how to avoid it

 

 

Pollens, Pollination chart, and UK Pollen Forecast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  



Acute Angioedema Chronic Angioedema Laryngeal Oedema

Angioedema

Angioedema is similar to urticaria, but it involves slightly deeper-seated tissues.  Like urticaria is caused by a build up of fluid leaking from thin-walled blood vessels.  It can accompany urticaria or occur alone.  

Angioedema can be an uncomfortable and disfiguring conditions, and can very occasionally be life-threatening.  The condition that causes the worst risk is called laryngeal oedema the name given to angioedema of the voice box or larynx.  

Angioedema is very similar to urticaria, the two conditions often occur together.  Both are caused by an allergy-like response that occurs in the skin tissues.  In urticaria this response causes release of histamine into the superficial skin layer and this results in the appearance of wheals.  The redness that accompanies hives isn’t seen, but the swelling is very obvious. The swelling generally occurs on the fingers and toes, as well as areas of the head, neck, face, and, in men, the reproductive organs, and is often described as painful or burning.  In angioedema, the histamine-releasing response is deeper down, and this results in the characteristic tissue swellings of the condition.  Both conditions may result from allergy.  Sometimes the cause is obvious, sometimes it can take detailed investigation to find, and sometimes no cause is found even after detailed investigation.  The latter condition is called idiopathic angioedema.

Angioedema swellings may occur in the face, particularly around the lips or eyes and eyelids.  In some cases swellings occur in the lips and other parts of the mouth and throat.   The genitals hands and feet are common areas for the condition.  Sometimes the swellings can cause the lips to look like sausages, and the eyelids may be completely closed.  The tongue may be so swollen that you have difficulty speaking.  The throat may close so that breathing is difficult.  Thankfully this latter complication, also known as laryngeal oedema is much less common than the other forms.  For the vast majority of sufferers angioedema is a nuisance rather than a life- threatening condition.

 

 

 

 

 

Last updated:
April 14, 2004
 

DISCLAIMER

The information contained within this web site is for educational and information purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.  Professor Brostoff and Dr Radcliffe intend that the information given should be accurate, however errors can occur.  Therefore no warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied, is given in relation to this service.  In no event shall Professor Brostoff or Dr Radcliffe be liable for any consequential damages arising out of any use of, or reliance on any content or materials contained herein, neither shall Professor Brostoff or Dr Radcliffe be liable for any content of any external internet sites listed nor do they endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised.  Always consult your own General Medical Practitioner if you are in any way concerned about your health.