A significant proportion of population has experience with angioedema. According to the pathophysiology it is possible to subdivide angioedema into histamine- or bradykinin induced.
They fundamentally differ from each other in aetiology, clinical picture and management. This article is focused on bradykinin-induced angioedema, comprising: hereditary angioedema, ACE-inhibitors induced-angioedema and acquired angioedema.
These diagnoses are often neglected. Inadequate treatment could lead to a patient's death.
C1 inhibitor substitution and bradykinin-receptor blocker play key roles in the management of the condition. Corticosteroids, antihistamines or adrenalin are ineffective in such cases.