Recognizing the Onset of HAE Attacks
Attacks of
hereditary angioedema (HAE) may occur suddenly and without warning. However,
many people with HAE notice symptoms at the very early stage of an attack. These
symptoms are called prodrome or prodromal symptoms.
Some common prodromal symptoms reported by people with HAE may include sudden mood
changes, rash, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, extreme fatigue, or a tingling
sensation of the skin where the swelling will begin. Some people with HAE notice
these symptoms minutes or hours before an attack, while others could feel them a
day or two before a full attack begins.
HAE attacks can be extremely serious, and may require immediate medical attention.
The following symptoms can indicate a serious situation:
- Throat swelling can block the airway and is therefore life-threatening; such
attacks require immediate emergency care. Some of the symptoms of throat swelling
may include a hoarse voice or laryngitis, difficulty in swallowing, a feeling of
tightness, and voice changes. If you experience this type of attack, call your local
emergency number.
- Intestinal swelling can cause intense, "colicky" abdominal pain that can
progress to vomiting and diarrhea. Intestinal swelling is often misdiagnosed as
an abdominal disorder, such as appendicitis, a bowel rupture, or an obstruction.
An increase in white blood cell count during an attack can make an accurate diagnosis
difficult.