Angioedema is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and often occurs with hives. Angioedema itself is not red or itchy and most often occurs in the body's soft tissue, such as the eyelids, mouth or genitals.

Angioedema is called "acute" if the condition lasts only a short time (minutes to days) and does not recur. This is commonly caused by an allergic reaction to medications or foods.

Chronic recurrent angioedema occurs when the condition returns over a long period of time. Chronic recurrent angioedema most often does not have an identifiable cause.