snuffle(2) (iou) and oedema, hereditary angioneurotic (medicine)

snuffle(2) (iou)

snuffle verb. L16.
[Prob. from Low German, Dutch snuffelen, from imit. base repr. also by SNUFF verb2, Old English snoffa nausea, snofl catarrh: see -LE3. Cf. SNAFFLE verb2, SNIVEL verb.]
I. verb intrans.
Draw air into the nostrils in order to smell something; sniff or smell at. Formerly also, show dislike or disdain by sniffing. L16.
Draw up air or mucus through the nostrils audibly or noisily; breathe noisily (as) through a partially blocked nose. L16.
Speak through the nose, have a nasal twang, formerly esp. as a sign of hypocrisy or insincerity. L16.
Of the wind: blow in fitful gusts. Now rare. M17.
II. verb trans.
Inhale; clear (the nose etc.) by sniffing; search out or examine by sniffing. L16.
Say or voice in a nasal tone. Also foll. by out. M17.
snuffler noun a person who snuffles M17.
snuffling ppl adjective (a) that snuffles; characterized by sniffing or noisy inhalation through the nose; (b) speaking or uttered through the nose; arch. hypocritical, sanctimonious: L16.
snufflingly adverb E17.

oedema, hereditary angioneurotic (medicine)

oedema, hereditary angioneurotic

A genetic form of angioedema. (Angioedema is also referred to as Quinke's disease.) Persons with it are born lacking an inhibitor protein (called C1 esterase inhibitor) that normally prevents activation of a cascade of proteins leading to the swelling of angioedema. Patients can develop recurrent attacks of swollen tissues, pain in the abdomen, and swelling of the voice box (larynx) which can compromise breathing. The diagnosis is suspected with a history of recurrent angioedema. It is confirmed by finding abnormally low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor in the blood. Treatment options include antihistamines and male steroids (androgens) that can also prevent the recurrent attacks. Also called hereditary angioedema.

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