DMV Allergy & Asthma Center – Allergist Washington DC, Frederick & Alexandria
Angioedema Treatment from Board-Certified Allergists in VA, DC & MD
Sudden swelling shouldn’t catch you off guard twice. Get answers, a diagnosis, and a plan, from board-certified allergists at our Alexandria, VA, K Street, DC, Foxhall, DC, and Frederick, MD locations.
4.9/5 from 2,000+ patient reviews
What is Angioedema?
Imagine waking up with severely swollen lips, eyes nearly shut, or a tightness in your throat, with no obvious explanation. That is what angioedema looks and feels like for many patients. Unlike hives (urticaria), which cause surface-level itching and welts, angioedema strikes deep in the subcutaneous tissue, the layer just beneath the skin, producing swelling that is harder to see but far more dangerous to ignore.
Angioedema most commonly affects the face, lips, eyelids, throat, hands, and abdomen. Episodes can appear within minutes, triggered by an allergic reaction, a medication, a hereditary gene mutation, or, in many cases, no identifiable cause at all. The most serious risk is when swelling encroaches on the airway, making it difficult to breathe or swallow, which demands immediate emergency care.
At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, our board-certified allergists and immunologists are trained to identify the specific type of angioedema you have and to create a treatment plan that keeps you safe, not just treated.
Common Symptoms of Angioedema
Angioedema symptoms can be easy to dismiss after they resolve, but recurring episodes are a serious warning sign. If you recognize any of the following, schedule an evaluation before the next episode is more severe
- Sudden, deep swelling around the eyes, lips, tongue, or face
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or genitals
- Throat tightness, hoarseness, or difficulty breathing
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Abdominal cramping, nausea, or vomiting when the GI tract is involved
- Skin that feels tight, warm, or tender with little to no surface redness
What Triggers Angioedema?
- Foods, insect stings, or latex: identified accurately through allergy skin testing or blood panels
- ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs: explored through our drug allergy evaluation process
- Hereditary gene mutations that affect the body's complement system, causing Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)
- Physical stimuli such as pressure, cold temperatures, or heat exposure
- Idiopathic causes: swelling with no identifiable trigger, which can still be effectively managed with the right treatment plan
When Should You See an Allergist?
A single unexplained swelling episode is alarming. Multiple episodes are a pattern that demands answers. Angioedema is progressive in some patients and potentially life-threatening if left unmanaged, yet it is also one of the most treatable conditions when diagnosed correctly. See one of our allergy specialists as soon as possible if:
You've had one or more episodes of sudden swelling around the face, lips, or throat, especially with no clear explanation
Swelling is becoming more frequent, longer-lasting, or harder to control with over-the-counter medications
You take ACE inhibitors or other blood pressure medications and have recently started experiencing swelling
A close family member has been diagnosed with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), and you've begun noticing similar symptoms
How We Treat Angioedema
Treating angioedema isn’t one-size-fits-all. Allergic angioedema, drug-induced angioedema, and hereditary angioedema (HAE) are fundamentally different conditions that each require a distinct clinical approach. At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, we don’t guess; we diagnose precisely, then treat accordingly. Here is what our care process looks like:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your first visit goes well beyond a surface-level review. We conduct a detailed history, physical examination, and targeted diagnostic testing to determine the exact type of angioedema you have, allergic, medicine-induced, hereditary, or idiopathic, so nothing is missed.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Once we know your diagnosis, we build a treatment strategy specific to your triggers, medical history, and lifestyle. Whether you need prescription antihistamines, HAE-specific therapies, or a drug allergy management plan, your care is designed around you, not a protocol.
Long-Term Care & Prevention
A resolved episode is not the same as a managed condition. Our team provides ongoing follow-up at our Alexandria, VA, K Street, DC, Foxhall, DC, and Frederick, MD offices to track your progress, refine your plan, and keep future episodes from catching you off guard.
All Ages Welcome
Angioedema can affect children and adults alike. Our board-certified team is experienced in treating patients across all age groups, with care plans adapted to each patient's unique medical profile and lifestyle.
Allergy Testing & Diagnosis
Skin Prick Testing
When an allergic trigger is suspected, skin prick testing delivers clear results in approximately 20 minutes. A small panel of common allergens, foods, environmental irritants, or insect venoms is tested against your skin to reveal which are causing an immune reaction and driving your swelling episodes.
Blood Testing & Lab Panel
For cases where hereditary angioedema or a complement system disorder is suspected, blood testing is essential. Our lab panel screens for C1 inhibitor levels and function, complement C4 levels, and allergen-specific IgE, providing a complete immune system profile that guides every treatment decision we make.
Skin Prick Testing
Quick, accurate results in about 20 minutes
Angioedema Treatment Options
Effective angioedema treatment starts with the right diagnosis. Once we understand what type of angioedema you have and what drives it, we apply the most appropriate and evidence-backed therapies available. View our full range of treatments and services →
Antihistamines & Corticosteroids
For allergic angioedema, prescription-strength antihistamines provide fast-acting relief by blocking the histamine response responsible for swelling. Corticosteroids are added in moderate-to-severe cases to reduce immune system inflammation more aggressively. Our allergy specialists calibrate dosing and duration based on your episode history and severity.
Epinephrine & Emergency Protocol
When angioedema threatens the airway, the most dangerous presentation, epinephrine is the first and most critical intervention. Beyond acute treatment, we develop a personalized emergency action plan for every high-risk patient, including auto-injector training and step-by-step guidance for emergencies at home, work, or school.
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Therapies
HAE is a genetic condition that cannot be managed with standard antihistamines. Our immunology specialists prescribe advanced HAE-specific therapies, including C1 inhibitor concentrate (on-demand and prophylactic), bradykinin receptor antagonists, and plasma kallikrein inhibitors, to prevent attacks before they start and reduce their severity when they do occur.
Medication Review & Drug Allergy Management
ACE inhibitors and certain other medications are a well-documented cause of drug-induced angioedema that is frequently undiagnosed. Through our drug allergy evaluation process, we identify the offending medication, coordinate a safe transition to alternative therapies with your primary care provider, and monitor closely throughout the change to prevent rebound episodes.
Why Choose DMV Allergy & Asthma Center?
4 convenient locations across Alexandria, VA, K Street, DC, Foxhall, DC, and Frederick, MD
Board-certified allergists & immunologists with specialized experience in all types of angioedema
Comprehensive, individualized care — from first diagnosis to long-term management
Most insurance plans accepted with a team that works with you to maximize your coverage
Trusted by 15,000+ patients across Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland
Patient Satisfaction
98%
of patients recommend us
Real Results from Real Patients
Le Dr Fishman est un allergologue et immunologue exceptionnel. Il est compétent, consciencieux et prend le temps d'écouter attentivement ses patients. J'ai particulièrement apprécié la clarté de ses explications concernant ma pathologie et les options de traitement, ainsi que sa réactivité pour prescrire des examens complémentaires lorsque cela s'avérait nécessaire. Je me suis sentie véritablement prise en charge et en confiance quant à son expertise. Je recommande vivement le Dr Fishman à toute personne recherchant d'excellents soins médicaux.
Excellents soins et grande attention portée aux patients. Médecins et personnel exceptionnels et attentionnés.
J'ai amené mon fils pour un test d'allergie aux noix. J'ai rapidement obtenu un rendez-vous, on a appelé mon fils dans la salle d'examen à l'heure prévue, et la consultation s'est déroulée très vite. L'assistante a été adorable avec mon fils, qui était anxieux à l'idée du test cutané. Le Dr Nataraj était également très attentif et semblait sincèrement intéressé par son patient. Je suis très satisfaite de ce cabinet et je le recommande vivement.
Tout le personnel a été d'une grande aide pour mes soins et je remercie le Dr Fishman de m'avoir accompagnée et d'avoir veillé à ce que je reçoive mes injections contre les allergies à temps. Merci à vous tous.
Find Relief from Angioedema Today
Angioedema doesn’t have to be the condition that rules your life with uncertainty and fear. With the right diagnosis and the right specialist, it becomes manageable — and for many patients, episodes can be prevented entirely.
Same-day appointments available • Most insurance accepted
Frequently Asked Questions About Angioedema
We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments for Angioedema
What is the first-line treatment for angioedema?
For allergic angioedema, antihistamines are the first line of defense, with corticosteroids added for moderate-to-severe episodes. When swelling affects the throat or causes breathing difficulty, epinephrine must be administered immediately. Hereditary angioedema is a distinct condition and does not respond to antihistamines; it requires specialized HAE-specific medications such as C1 inhibitor replacement or bradykinin antagonists. The right first-line treatment depends entirely on the type, which is why an accurate diagnosis from a board-certified allergist is so critical.
What specialist should I see for angioedema?
An allergist-immunologist is the most qualified specialist to evaluate and manage angioedema. They are trained to differentiate between allergic, drug-induced, hereditary, and idiopathic forms, and to run the precise diagnostic tests needed to confirm each. At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, our board-certified team has treated thousands of angioedema patients across Alexandria, VA, K Street, DC, Foxhall, DC, and Frederick, MD.
Why do I keep getting angioedema with no known cause?
Recurrent episodes with no identifiable trigger fall under a category called idiopathic angioedema, and it is far more common than most patients realize. Idiopathic angioedema may be driven by low-grade immune activation, unrecognized environmental exposures, or stress. Importantly, it can also mask an underlying hereditary angioedema (HAE) diagnosis, which requires specific blood tests — including C1 inhibitor and complement C4 levels- to confirm or rule out. A thorough allergy and immunology evaluation is the only way to get clarity.
Can medications cause angioedema?
Yes, and this is one of the most underdiagnosed causes. ACE inhibitors, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, are a well-known cause of drug-induced angioedema. Estrogen-containing medications and certain NSAIDs can also be responsible, particularly in patients with HAE. If you take any of these medications and have experienced unexplained swelling, our drug allergy evaluation can determine whether your medication is the cause, and our team will coordinate a safe switch with your prescribing provider.
How fast does angioedema develop?
Allergic angioedema can develop within minutes, sometimes faster than anaphylaxis in terms of visible swelling. Drug-induced and hereditary forms may develop more gradually, over hours. The speed of onset depends heavily on the trigger type and the individual’s immune response. Regardless of how quickly your episodes develop, any swelling near the throat or airway requires immediate emergency attention. Patients at high risk should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector and have an emergency action plan in place.
Is angioedema the same as hives?
They share the same allergic pathway, but they are not the same condition. Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts on the skin surface caused by histamine release in the upper layers of skin. Angioedema involves swelling in the deeper subcutaneous tissue and is not always itchy, but it carries significantly more risk when it involves the throat or airway. The two conditions do frequently occur together, and our allergy specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating both as part of a unified care plan.