Author: John Winkler, M.D.

Educational Pearls

• Angioedema is immediately life-threatening due to airway obstruction.
• Mechanisms include allergic reaction (histamine-related) or bradykinin-related (ACE-inhibitor, C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency).
• The bradykinin-related mechanism will not respond to the traditional meds used for anaphylaxis. Instead, use FFP to replace depleted factors.
• If a patient displays signs of respiratory compromise, intubation is indicated. Anesthesia should be consulted as this will be a very difficult airway.

References: https://emcrit.org/pulmcrit/treatment-of-acei-induced-angioedema/