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Warning-sign checks

Hereditary angioedema: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat; a hoarse or changing voice; noisy breathing; difficulty swallowing; shortness of breath; or a feeling that the throat is closing.

    Use your prescribed on-demand treatment promptly if your plan tells you to, but do not wait to see whether it works before seeking emergency help.

    Severe weakness, fainting, confusion, or blue or grey lips also require emergency care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or symptoms that are different from your usual attacks.

    HAE should not be assumed to explain every episode of abdominal pain.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if attacks are becoming more frequent, treatment is not controlling them, side effects are troubling you, or you are planning pregnancy, dental work, or surgery.

    If you have repeated unexplained swelling without hives, especially with abdominal attacks or a family history, arrange a medical assessment.

    These symptoms have several possible causes, and blood tests are needed to identify HAE.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hereditary angioedema. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.