Angioedema

In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD, interviews Prayag Mehta, MD, and Nikola Milanko, MD, two of the authors of the October 2022 Emergency Medicine Practice article on Angioedema in the Emergency Department Pathophysiology: Non-pitting edema of respiratory or GI tractHistamine meditated, bradykinin mediated, or idiopathicAcquired, inherited, or idiopathicDo they present differently? (Urticaria, speed of onset)Histamine MediatedMost common form: 40%-70%Can be triggered by NSAIDsCan be induced by physical mechanism like cold, vibrationIs rash a reliable method of distinguishing the types?Bradykinin MediatedMay progress slowlyCan be inherited or acquiredCommon triggers include ACE inhibitors and TPATable 1 Differential Diagnosis Prehospital CareProtect airwayEpi, steroids, antihistaminesAvoid CPAPED HistoryFigure 2: Distinguishing characteristics of histamine vs bradykinin mediatedED ExamImportance of repetitive examsAirway examinationLaryngoscopy?DiagnosticsFigure 6: Flow diagram of ED workupLabsImagingTreatmentAirway: IntubationMedicationSpecial PopulationsPediatricPregnant/lactating patientsControversiesTXADisposition