Angioedema Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and When Swelling Is Dangerous

Drew and his dad, allergist Dr. Z, explain angioedema as deep tissue swelling that can occur with hives or as part of anaphylaxis, sometimes affecting lips, eyes, tongue, or the airway. They distinguish common, usually non–life-threatening angioedema from the rare but dangerous hereditary/acquired form involving the complement pathway and C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, which can be triggered by trauma or surgery and screened with a C4 blood test. Dr. Z also discusses non-IgE mechanisms such as bradykinin/kinin pathways, as well as medication contributors that can worsen swelling.📩 Have a question for the show?Email: [email protected]