Angioedema is a condition in which swelling of the skin occurs due to an allergic reaction. It is similar to hives, but affects the deeper skin tissues (subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosa tissues).
It commonly affects areas of the face such as the eyes and lips, and typically causes large, firm welts to appear. In some cases, the welts may obstruct vision.After the initial contact with an allergen, an allergic reaction can take anywhere from minutes to hours to develop. In most cases, swelling caused by angioedema will go away on its own after a few days.
The condition is generally harmless, unless it affects your throat or tongue, causing it to swell up, blocking air passages and restricting breathing. Internal organs can also be involved. Seek immediate medical attention if you feel your throat swelling or have trouble breathing.