Classification, diagnosis, and approach to treatment for angioedema

Angioedema is defined as localized and self-limiting edema of the subcutaneous and submucosal tissue, due to a temporary increase in vascular permeability caused by the release of vasoactive mediators. When angioedema recurs without significant wheals, the patient should be diagnosed to have angioedema as distinct disease. In the absence of the accepted classification, different types of angioedema are not uniquely identified. Four types of accuired and three types of hereditary angioedema were identified as separate forms from the analysis of literature. Here, we summarize the data and the resulting classification and treatment of angioedema.