Quincke’s disease: an unusual pathology

Abstract

A 50-year-old male presents to the emergency department in rural Australia with a sore throat, globous sensation of his oropharynx and a swollen uvula. Within the previous 12 months, this was his third and most severe presentation of Quincke’s disease. In all instances, it was aggravated by cold weather. His airway was not compromised. He was admitted under the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist and managed with 200 mg of intravenous hydrocortisone, followed by regular intravenous dexamethasone as well as paracetamol for analgesia. He improved over 12 h and was discharged with 1 week of steroids. He followed up with the ENT specialist in the community. A cause could not be found. He was subsequently consented and booked for a partial uvulectomy.