Persons who are predisposed have an increase in frequency of attacks after adolescence, with the peak incidence occurring in the third decade of life. General history Urticarial eruptions usually appear at intervals and are intensely pruritic. Any family history or history of recurrent episodes with the use of particular agents must be sought. The face, extremities, and genitalia are most commonly affected. First, determine airway patency.
Severe attacks can herald the onset of systemic anaphylaxis, characterized initially by dyspnea.
Massive edema of the subcutaneous tissue in the abdominal region may present with abdominal distention and signs consistent with bowel obstruction. It is characterized by fever, angioedema, arthralgias, urticaria, and palpable purpura. This type of angioedema is characterized by recurrent self-limited attacks involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, upper respiratory tract, or GI tract. Attacks may last from several hours to 2-3 days. ACE inhibitors precipitate attacks by directly interfering with the degradation of bradykinin, thereby potentiating its biological effect.