Inhalant allergen sensitization is an independent risk factor for the development of angioedema

The etiology and risk factors for angioedema remain poorly understood with causative triggers often going undiagnosed despite repeated reactions. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between inhalant allergen sensitization and angioedema. A retrospective review of patients who had in vitro inhalant allergy testing from 2006 to 2010 was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of angioedema who underwent inhalant allergy testing were identified. Analyses for co-morbidities, class of sensitization, seasonal timing of angioedema, and concurrent use of known hypertensive medications that can cause angioedema were performed. There were 1000 patients who underwent inhalant allergy testing and qualified for the study. 37/1000 had at least one episode of angioedema and of these patients, 34 had positive inhalant sensitization testing results. Multivariate regression models showed overall sensitization status, seasonal allergen and epidermal/mite sensitization as independent risk factors (p