Word parts
What it means
It often affects the lips, tongue, eyelids, face and throat. It can come with an allergic reaction or anaphylaxisan-uh-fuh-LAK-sisA sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.ana- away, against-phylaxis protectionFull entry , as a side effect of drugs such as ACE inhibitors (and less often ARBs), or as an inherited condition. Swelling of the tongue or throat can block the airway.
For the nurse
Swelling of the tongue, throat or voice changes is an airway emergency: call for help, stay with the client and keep emergency airway equipment ready. Stop the suspected drug and report it.
At a glance
| Spanish | angioedema |
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Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.
airway
The passages that carry air into and out of the lungs, from the nose and mouth to the smallest air tubes.
angiotensin II receptor blocker
A drug that blocks the hormone angiotensin II so blood vessels relax and blood pressure falls.