Symptoms of HAE usually start in childhood and worsen during the teen years, according to the U.S. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are also common symptoms if HAE affects a persons intestinal tract.
(1)
Although HAE is a lifelong disease, there are treatments to help manage the condition.
Why Does Hereditary Angioedema Happen?
This protein helps control inflammation in your body.
(5)
Not having a family history doesnt guarantee you wont develop HAE.
The genetic mutations that cause HAE can also crop up for unknown reasons during conception.
In fact, as many as 25 percent of HAE cases result from a spontaneous gene mutation.
(1)
Signs and Symptoms of Hereditary Angioedema: What Is an HAE Attack Like?
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) can cause signs and symptoms that are scary, painful, and disfiguring.
HAE attacks cause swelling in different parts of the body.
Attacks can range from mild to severe.
The frequency and length of the swelling attacks varies in those with HAE.
Most of these episodes last three to four days.
(1)
Your symptoms will depend on the key in of HAE attack you have.
A subcutaneous attack involves swelling and redness on different areas of your skin.
If you have an abdominal episode, you might experience stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
These episodes are usually considered medical emergencies.
You may need a breathing tube placed down your throat or into your windpipe to open your airways.
Sometimes severe swelling in your throat can even lead to death.
(1,6)
What Are the Triggers of an HAE Attack?
Sometimes, people with HAE are able to identify certain triggers that spark the swelling.
Other times, these attacks come without warning.
The three main types are: (1)
Each pop in of HAE produces similar episodes of swelling.
Other related disorders can cause similar symptoms.
These may include: (8,9)
HAE: When and How Is It Diagnosed?
The age of diagnosis varies when it comes to HAE, and delays are common.
In one study, one-half of the participants said their symptoms started by age 7.
More than two-thirds said they had symptoms by age 15.
Many people report experiencing more attacks around the time of puberty or adolescence.
Research shows that because HAE is rare and often confused with other disorders, which complicates diagnosis.
A misdiagnosis can be inconvenient and dangerous.
You might not get the correct treatment, or you may have to undergo unnecessary medical procedures.
A simple blood test can usually detect HAE.
Genetic testing is another method, but its usually not the preferred option for most people.
Learn More About Hereditary Angioedema Diagnosis
How Is Hereditary Angioedema Treated?
Theres no cure for hereditary angioedema (HAE), but certain therapies can help control your symptoms.
All HAE patients should have access to an on-demand treatment to take when they have symptoms.
Your doctor might also prescribe a preventive medicine to help protect against a future attack.
Your healthcare provider can assist you in deciding on the best treatment regimen for your disease.
it’s possible for you to search for clinical trials at theClincalTrials.gov website.
Learn More About Hereditary Angioedema Treatment
What Are the Triggers of Hereditary Angioedema?
Its a good idea to keep a journal listing any potential triggers that could be causing your attacks.
Family members and close friends should know what to do if you experience an episode.
Keep your medical paperwork with you in case you have a severe attack and cant help yourself.
Many people report pain, fatigue, and disfigurement following an attack.
Kids may miss school, and adults might have to repeatedly call in sick to work.
Your long-term outlook will depend on the frequency, severity, and location of your HAE attacks.
About one-third of people with HAE report having more than one attack per month.
Roughly 40 percent have an average of 6 to 11 attacks per year.
About 22 percent only experience attacks from time to time.
Some people report attacks that last more than a week.
Immunologists and hematologists are often trained to help people with HAE.
(5)
Living with HAE can be overwhelming at times.
Unpredictable attacks often interfere with your professional and social life.
If untreated, some attacks can last longer than a week.
Many people with HAE miss out on school, work, and other activities.
The good news is there are steps you’re free to take to help cope with your disease.
People with HAE can live productive and fulfilling lives.
Having a plan in place can help you achieve success.
But living with a chronic condition especially a rare one can feel isolating.
And the treatment required to prevent and manage episodes can be expensive.
He received his bachelor’s and medical degrees from Emory University.
Stahlman is board-certified and recertified in allergy and clinical immunology.
Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being.
She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.
Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News.
She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist.
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