Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is HAE?Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition. HAE occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. HAE symptoms include episodes of edema (swelling) in various body parts including the hands, feet, face and airway. HAE patients have a defect in the gene that controls a blood protein called C1 Inhibitor. The genetic defect results in production of either inadequate or non-functioning C1-Inhibitor protein. Read more about HAE at http://www.haea.org How is HAE Diagnosed?Most cases of angioedema turn out to not be HAE, because most swelling attacks are typically allergic reactions, or swellings caused by something other than C1-inhibitor deficiency. Laboratory analysis of blood samples or genetic testing is required to establish the HAE diagnosis. There are two specific blood tests that confirm HAE:
To read more about HAE diagnosis go to http://www.haea.org/what-is-hae/diagnosing-hae/ What does the US HAEA do?The US HAEA is a non-profit patient advocacy organization dedicated to serving persons with angioedema. We provide patients and families with a support network and wide range of services. |