Angioedema is swelling in the deeper layers of the skin. It often affects the lips, eyelids, face, hands or feet, and can come with hives (itchy, raised patches). It usually settles within one to three days.

Call an ambulance or go to the emergency room if

  • the tongue or throat swells
  • the voice changes, or swallowing or breathing becomes difficult
  • there is wheezing, dizziness or fainting
  • the swelling started soon after a medicine, food or insect sting

These can be signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that needs emergency treatment within minutes.

Common triggers

  • Foods such as nuts, shellfish or eggs
  • Medicines, including some painkillers and some blood pressure tablets (ACE inhibitors)
  • Insect stings
  • Heat, cold or pressure on the skin
  • In some families, an inherited form that needs specialist tests

Note what you ate, took or touched before each episode. If you think a medicine is the cause, tell the doctor who prescribed it rather than stopping it on your own.

Care for repeated episodes

For people who get swelling and hives again and again without emergency signs, Dr Amit Kumar looks at the pattern, triggers and history before prescribing. Allergy problems are one of his main areas of practice.

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation