Anyone know about angiodema?

[baconsandwich]

My 9yo DS has been having outbreaks of hives for about 9 months which the GP told us to treat with antihistamines. 3 weeks ago he had a severe outbreak of hives along with enormous swollen lips and wheezing (he is asthmatic). We took him to A&E where he had steroids and now we are waiting for an appointment with the specialist allergy clinic. He is taking antihistamines every day. This morning he woke up with mildly swollen lips and his eyes were maybe a little bit puffy. I think he has angiodema though neither the GP nor hospital doctor used this word. Can you have mild and severe angiodema? Should I take him to the doctor at every outbreak while I am waiting for the hospital appointment? I don't want to over-react nor be complacent and am worried about the best thing to do. We don't know what he is allergic to. Any advice?

[SilverSixpence]

they would probably advise to continue the antihistamines until the allergy clinic appointment. In an emergency you'd need to go back to A&E but he needs to be assessed by the allergy clinic to decide in cause of symptoms and whether he needs to carry an epipen.

[eragon]

yes. get that refferal. keep up the antihistamines.

[baconsandwich]

thanks both. Am a bit calmer now. Today wasn't an emergency.

Have now rung the hospital to chase the referral, only to be told first that they didn't have a referral, then that they could see on their system it had been sent to dermatology by my GP by mistake AND that they couldn't divert it to the correct dept (which is respiratory) but that the GP would have to write again. BONKERS!

[Maz007]

Waiting to know what's what is tough. Good job you chased it up now rather than waiting... I'd give the anaphylaxis campaign helpline a call - they're excellent and will be able to give you good advice while you are waiting.

In terms of angioedema - there are definitely varying degrees. My son only ever had very mild localised swelling when he touched his allergen. However, with a history of asthma I'd err on the side of caution if you are ever wondering whether to seek medical attention.

Hope it's not too long a wait for you.