Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

The Types of Hereditary Angioedema

There are three types of hereditary angioedema (type 1, 2, and 3) and each type “is caused by different genetic mutations,” explains Healthline. Although, they all cause the same reaction in your body which is producing too much bradykinin (a protein that encourages inflammation).

The most common type of HAE is type 1, which makes up roughly 85-percent of all HAE cases. Type 2 HAE is the second most common, accounting for about 15-percent of all cases of HAE. Finally, type 3 HAE is the rarest.

Common Symptoms of Hereditary Angioedema

So what happens exactly? The most common symptom of HAE is swelling. Unlike allergic reactions, HAE doesn’t cause itching or hives. Swelling can develop in various parts of the body including the hands, feet, face, genitals, belly, and even your throat.

Furthermore, if you experience swelling in your panza, it may induce other symptoms such as extreme pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Finally, swelling in your extremities can be painful and make daily tasks difficult.

Early Warning Signs

The National Library of Medicine explains that symptoms of hereditary angioedema typically start in childhood, however, they get worse during puberty. Left untreated, an individual may experience an attack every 1- to 2-weeks, with episodes lasting for 3- to 4-days.  All the more reason, to manage the condition.

WebMD notes that you may notice warning signs before the swelling begins, such as:

• Tingling
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Mood changes
• Belly pain
• Muscle aches