Laryngeal angioedema and the ENT physician

Angioedema is a syndrome characterized by episodes of transitory and recurrent submucosal and/or subcutaneous edema (attacks). It can have histamine-based or bradykinin-based mechanisms, with different clinical pictures and different treatments. Upper airway involvement, especially laryngeal edema with severe and unpredictable respiratory distress, can be life-threatening. The role of the ENT physician is to evaluate pharyngolaryngeal penetrability and to decide on the treatment: intubation, tracheotomy and/or medical therapy with new specific molecules with proven efficacy (if available in urgent cases). Education of the patient and preventive treatment of attacks of this rare condition are best managed in a referral center. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.