Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Quincke’s edema (angioedema).
Family history
- Are there any individuals in your family who suffer from recurrent swelling?
Social history
- Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation?
Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).
- What symptoms have you noticed?
- Have you noticed any swellings? Where are these swellings located?
- When do the swellings occur?
- How long does the attack last?
- Do you suffer from shortness of breath?
- Do you have abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea?
Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.
Self anamnesis incl. medication anamnesis
- Pre-existing conditions (infections)
- Operations
- Allergies
- Pregnancies
Medication history
- ACE inhibitors (antihypertensives) [>50% of cases presenting with severe angioedema]
- Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
- Angiotensin receptor neprilysin antagonists (ARNI) – dual drug combination: sacubitril/valsartan.
- AT1 antagonists (angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 antagonists, AT1 receptor antagonists, AT1 blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, “sartans”) (rare)
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Estrogen-containing contraceptives – these can cause seizures to cluster
- X-ray contrast media (as an immediate response).