What a Hereditary Angioedema Attack Looks Like

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks are characterized by severe swelling, known as edema, in different parts of the body. These episodes, which generally last from two to five days, may be painful, temporarily disfiguring, and sometimes life-threatening.

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Symptoms vary and depend on the type of HAE you have and, thus, the types of attacks you experience. For example, some people with HAE may primarily experience swelling in their hands and feet, whereas others may experience abdominal swelling that can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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 When experiencing an attack, swelling can also start in one area of the body and spread to another.

Swelling of the face, particularly the lips and the area surrounding the eyes, is one of the most obvious signs of an HAE attack.

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