Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)
What is HAE?
HAE is a rare disease of the immune system, affecting an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people around the world. HAE causes attacks of spontaneous swelling that are often painful and severe. The most common locations of attacks are the:
- Hands
- Feet
- Face
- Abdomen
- Genitals
- Larynx (throat), which can be life-threatening
HAE is called "hereditary" because it is caused by a genetic defect that is passed through families. When a parent has HAE, there is a 50% chance that his or her child will inherit the disease. Spontaneous mutations resulting in HAE occur, but more often, a patient with HAE represents one of several family members with the condition.
"Angioedema" refers to a swelling of skin similar to hives but, unlike hives, the swelling in HAE is sometimes below the skin's surface and is not accompanied by an itching sensation.
About HAE Attacks
Patients with HAE typically continue to have attacks of angioedema throughout their lives, although some may find their symptoms occur less frequently as they age. On average, untreated HAE patients have attacks or symptom flare ups every 7-14 days or greater than 20 attacks per year, each generally lasting 2 to 5 days before resolving on their own.
HAE attacks are unpredictable and can happen anywhere on the body, but they tend to affect the:
- Face, genitals, hands and feet: These attacks can be uncomfortable and disfiguring.
- Abdomen: Attacks in the abdomen are extremely painful and often lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Larynx (throat): Although this is the least common location for an attack, it is the most dangerous because it can close the airway.
All types of HAE attacks can affect patients' activities and daily life.
Find Out More
To learn more about this condition, please visit HAE Hope.
