What Is Angioedema?
5. When Should I Seek Medical Care?
If you or a family member begins to show signs of a swelling reaction, you should make sure to monitor symptoms carefully. Listen to what the person is saying, believe them, and write down what they are saying, along with any obviously visible symptoms. When inflammation and redness occur rapidly, it could be a sign of a severe reaction that may require immediate medical attention.
This is especially true when the face and mouth are affected, since swelling in these areas may obstruct breathing, potentially leading to loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. If a reaction has led to difficulty breathing, call 911 and describe the situation. Trained paramedics will talk you through how to open an obstructed passageway, if necessary, and keep the person alert for as long as possible.
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