The key difference between anaphylaxis and angioedema is that anaphylaxis is an acute life-threatening multiorgan system reaction caused due to the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophils, while angioedema is the swelling of deeper layers of the skin caused by the build-up of fluid.
Anaphylaxis and angioedema are two associated medical conditions. This is because anaphylaxis is a severe systematic allergic reaction normally characterized by angioedema and urticaria. Moreover, the presence or absence of angioedema in an anaphylaxis condition can be used as a factor when deciding a treatment regime for anaphylaxis.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Anaphylaxis
3. What is Angioedema
4. Similarities – Anaphylaxis and Angioedema
5. Anaphylaxis vs Angioedema in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Anaphylaxis vs Angioedema
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe systematic allergic reaction. It is an acute life-threatening multiorgan system reaction caused due to the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophils. The symptoms of this condition may include light-headedness, difficulties in breathing or shallow breathing, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, anxiety, confusion, losing consciousness, allergy symptoms like itchiness, raised rash, feeling sick, and angioedema or stomach pain.
The common triggers of anaphylaxis include food (nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs, or some fruits), medicines (antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), insect bites, general anesthetics, contrasting dye agents, and latex in gloves and condoms. The risk factors for this condition include previous anaphylaxis, allergies or asthma, and certain other diseases like heart disease or mastocytosis. Moreover, complications involved in anaphylaxis include stopping breathing or heartbeat.
Figure 01: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis can be diagnosed through questionnaires, physical examination, blood tests to measure a certain enzyme (tryptase), and skin or blood tests for allergies. Furthermore, anaphylaxis can be treated by giving adrenaline to reduce allergic responses, oxygen for breathing, intravenous antihistamines or cortisone to reduce inflammation, beta-agonist to relieve breathing problems, and immunotherapy.
What is Angioedema?
Angioedema is the swelling of deeper layers of the skin caused by the build-up of fluid. Angioedema can also be a symptom of other conditions like anaphylaxis. The signs and symptoms of angioedema include a puffy or swollen face, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, swollen hands, eyes, feet, or genitals, dizziness due to changes in blood pressure, swelling in mouth, throat, or airway that makes breathing problems. Angioedema can be caused due to allergies such as food allergies, medication allergies, venom allergies, natural rubber latex allergies, inherited or acquired problems with the C1 inhibitor protein, drug reactions, and vibrational movements. The risk factors for angioedema include a history of angioedema, allergic reactions, or a family history of angioedema. Severe angioedema can cause complications such as swelling of the tongue or throat, which ultimately blocks the airway.
Figure 02: Angioedema
Moreover, angioedema can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood or skin tests for allergies, and blood tests to find out problems with the C1 inhibitor protein. Furthermore, angioedema can be treated through injectable epinephrine, oral or intravenous antihistamines or steroids, home remedies (using ice to reduce swelling or taking cool showers), and medications to treat inherited or acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency angioedema like C1 esterase inhibitor, C1 inhibitor, Ecallantide, Icatibant, lanadelumab, and Berotralstat.
What are the Similarities Between Anaphylaxis and Angioedema?
- Anaphylaxis and angioedema are two associated medical conditions.
- Angioedema can be a symptom of anaphylaxis.
- Both conditions can be triggered by allergic reactions.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and skin and blood tests for allergies.
- They are primarily treated by giving epinephrine and antihistamines.
What is the Difference Between Anaphylaxis and Angioedema?
Anaphylaxis is an acute life-threatening multiorgan system reaction caused due to the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophils, while angioedema is the swelling of deeper layers of the skin caused by the build-up of fluid. Thus, this is the key difference between anaphylaxis and angioedema. Furthermore, anaphylaxis is a very severe condition, while angioedema is a less severe condition.
The below infographic presents the differences between anaphylaxis and angioedema in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Anaphylaxis vs Angioedema
Anaphylaxis and angioedema are two associated medical conditions. Both conditions can be triggered by allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is an acute life-threatening multiorgan system reaction caused due to the release of chemical mediators from mast cells and basophils, while angioedema is the swelling of deeper layers of the skin that is caused by the build-up of fluid. So, this is the key difference between anaphylaxis and angioedema.
Reference:
1. “Anaphylaxis.” NHS Choices, NHS.
2. “Angioedema.” DermNet.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis” By Mikael Häggström – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Swollen hand during a hereditary angioedema attack” By LucyHAE – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia