A response to ‘Another look at Dumfries’, Martin L V H, Anaesthesia 2004; 59: 180–7

Abstract

and so far, no controlled studies have demonstrated their efficacy.As our patients did not respond to medical management, we felt it was unwise to persist. Medical therapy of progressive angioedema should be aggressive. Failing a rapid response, mechanical methods to secure an airway should be undertaken before massive oedema complicates intubation or a surgical airway. We highlight the need for early intubation ⁄ surgical airway and caution against relying on medications to reverse the pathology.