ANGIOEDEMA

The four main types of Angioedema are allergic, drug-induced, hereditary, and idiopathic. I have Idiopathic Angioedema. Angioedema is similar to hives but the swelling occurs under the skin and can be concentrated around the lips or mouth or throughout the body. The symptoms can be acute (sudden, short-lived) or ongoing.

I believe my Idiopathic Angioedema is my underlying disease state or medical condition that flares up and causes my symptoms of abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, leg swelling, low blood pressure, and facial swelling. My Angioedema is triggered by physical and mental stressors. Basically, anything that can trigger an autoimmune condition, triggers a flare-up for me. Because I am sensitive to sulfites, heavy consumption of sulfites puts stress on my body and causes flare-ups frequently. I control symptoms with medication, living an overall healthy lifestyle, limiting exposure to sulfites, exercising regularly and trying to minimize stress.