Angioedema is a clinical entity defined as self-limiting edema localized in the deeper layers of the skin and mucosa and lasting for several days.1 Angioedema is not itchy but may be painful and warm.2
Angioedema primarily affects the face, lips, mouth upper airway and the extremities.2 It can be provoked by bradykinin and/or mast cell mediators, including histamine.1
What Causes
Angioedema in
Infants?
Angioedema and acute urticaria appear to be among the most common symptoms of food-induced allergic reactions.3 Exposure to insect bites, some medications, or latex can also result in angioedema.4
Children with immediate-type IgE-mediated CMA may react with erythema, angioedema, urticaria, or vomiting within minutes of ingestion of even minute quantities of milk/dairy.3,5
Could It Be a
Symptom of
Cow’s Milk
Protein Allergy?
Acute angioedema in infants is one of the many cutaneous symptoms of IgE-mediated Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA), primarily affecting the lips or eyelids.4 In one study, in infants with IgE-mediated CMPA, angioedema along with erythema and urticaria was seen in 94% of cases.6
However, when considering the diagnosis of CMPA, it’s important to note that the majority of these infants have at least two symptoms affecting at least two different organ systems.4,7,8
Therefore, it is important to consider the individual child as well as the magnitude of their symptoms. This can be achieved using an awareness tool such as the Cow’s Milk Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS™) which will help you determine if CMPA might be indicated.9,10
DIGESTIVE
Up to 34% of infants with CMPA have gastrointestinal manifestations19
RESPIRATORY
Up to 30% of affected infants with CMPA have respiratory symptoms15,20
ANAPHYLAXIS
Anaphylactic shock is a severe, immediate, allergic reaction, which can affect many organ/systems
SKIN
Up to 75% of infants with CMPA can have skin-related symptoms21
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
Inconsolable crying is very common in infants with CMPA associated with sleeping problems and food refusal
