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Symptoms of allergic angioedema usually occur suddenly. In some cases, exposure to a tiny amount of an allergen (harmless substances that trigger an exaggerated immune system reaction) can trigger a significant outbreak. In other situations, a person must be exposed to a large amount of an allergen before symptoms become apparent.

Allergic angioedema swelling usually covers a large area and extends deep under the skin. Many cases of angioedema are relatively mild and do not require treatment, although they may cause discomfort. Other symptoms – particularly those that trigger breathing difficulties – should be checked by a physician. Allergic angioedema symptoms include:

• Marked skin swelling, usually around the eyes and mouth, but also on the hands, feet, genitalia and inside the throat
  
  
• Abdominal pain or cramping due to swelling in the intestines and swelling of the stomach
  
  
• Eyes may appear swollen shut
  
  
• Hives (groups of red, swollen patches of skin that may burn, sting or itch)
  
  
• Hoarseness, wheezing and shortness of breath due to voice box (larynx) swelling
  
  
• Skin swelling which usually does not itch, but may be painful or burn
  
  
• Swelling which may be worse on one side of body than on the other (asymmetrical)

Symptoms of hereditary angioedema are often very similar to those of allergic angioedema, although itching and hives are usually not present. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting due to swelling of the intestinal tract
  
  
• Airway obstruction from swelling in the throat
  
  
• Hoarseness
  
  
• Intestinal swelling, which can trigger vomiting, dehydration, pain and shock
  
  
• Rash which occurs before the swelling
  
  
• Swelling of the hands, feet, limbs and face