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Angioedema

Alternative Names: Angioneurotic edema; Welts Symptoms: Sudden development of red welts Welts are usually on the eyes and mouth, but may be on the hands, feet, or in the throat Welts are itchy or painful Turn pale and swell if irritated Swollen eyes and mouth Abdominal cramping Difficulty breathing Chemosis (swollen lining of the eyes) Signs and tests: The doctor will look at your skin and ask you if you have been exposed to any irritating substances. A physical exam might show stridor (crowing sound when inhaling) if the throat is affected. Text Continues Below Rarely, allergy testing may be performed to determine the causative allergen. References: Kaplan AP. Angioedema. J Am Acad Dermatol. Sept 2005; 53(3): 373-88. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc. 2004:129. Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1623.

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