From the Guidelines
Yes, a patient diagnosed with angioedema should see their primary care physician (PCP) after discharge from urgent care to monitor the resolution of symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed treatments. This follow-up is crucial to identify potential triggers and prevent recurrence, as angioedema can be life-threatening if it affects the airways, and some forms may indicate underlying conditions requiring ongoing management 1. The PCP should see the patient within 1-2 weeks of discharge, sooner if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop. During this visit, the PCP will review any medications prescribed at urgent care, which may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine auto-injectors for severe cases. The PCP may also consider referral to an allergist or immunologist for further evaluation, especially if the angioedema is recurrent or if hereditary angioedema is suspected, as suggested by the updated international consensus paper on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor 1. Key points to consider during the follow-up visit include:
- Monitoring the resolution of symptoms
- Evaluating the effectiveness of prescribed treatments
- Identifying potential triggers to prevent recurrence
- Reviewing medications prescribed at urgent care
- Considering referral to a specialist for further evaluation
- Developing a long-term management plan, including avoidance of identified triggers, medication adjustments, and education on recognizing early symptoms. Given the complexity and potential severity of angioedema, a thorough follow-up with a PCP is essential to ensure the patient's safety and well-being, as emphasized by the most recent study on the topic 1.
From the Research
Angioedema Management After Discharge
- Patients with angioedema should be evaluated to determine the underlying cause of their condition, as this will guide treatment decisions 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Histaminergic angioedema is the most common cause and can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine 6.
- Non-histaminergic angioedema, such as bradykinin-mediated angioedema, is often resistant to standard therapies and may require alternative treatments, such as C1-inhibitor concentrates or icatibant 3, 5.
- After discharge from the urgent care (UC) with a diagnosis of angioedema, patients should follow up with their primary care physician (PCP) to:
- It is essential for patients to see their PCP after discharge to ensure proper management and follow-up care, as angioedema can be a potentially life-threatening condition if not properly treated 4, 5.