Clinical Immunology Review Series: An approach to the patient with angio‐oedema

Angio‐oedema is a common reason for attendance at the accident and emergency department and for referral to immunology/allergy clinics. Causative factors should always be sought, but a large proportion of patients have the idiopathic form of the disease. A minority of patients represent a diagnostic and treatment challenge. Failure to identify the more unusual causes of angio‐oedema may result in life‐threatening situations. Common and rare causes of angio‐oedema will be discussed in this article, as well as the diagnostic and treatment pathways for the management of these patients. A comprehensive history and close monitoring of response to treatment are the most cost‐effective diagnostic and treatment tools.