HAE attacks are unpredictable and vary from patient to patient. They do not cause fever, except for a local temperature change in the case of subcutaneous attacks.
Subcutaneous attacks
- Swelling in hands, feet, fingers, lips, eyelids, face, neck, chest, genitals
- Redness with geographic pattern (prodromal signs)
- Local warmth and tingling sensation
- May restrict movement when affecting extremities
Abdominal attacks
- Severe cramping pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Occasional diarrhea
- Caused by swelling of the intestinal walls
- Symptoms similar to viral infections, food poisoning or appendicitis
Warning - medical emergency
Swelling in the face and/or neck can affect the upper respiratory tract and pose a life-threatening risk!
Edema in the throat, larynx or tongue can compromise the airway and constitutes a medical emergency.
Trigger factors
Swelling attacks occur spontaneously or are triggered by:
- Physical trauma: Surgeries, dental procedures, sprains, dislocations, insect bites, high-impact exercise
- Infections or inflammations
- Hormonal changes: Menstruation, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives
- Emotional trauma: Stress, anxiety, worry
- Medications: Estrogen-containing contraceptives, ACE inhibitors