When are Hereditary Angioedema attacks considered serious?
Swelling of the extremities is uncomfortable and, according to some patients, can be painful and debilitating depending on the location of the edema. Attacks that involve the face and throat must be taken seriously and medical treatment should be sought without delay. Swelling of the throat can close the air passage and cause death by suffocation. The symptoms of an impending airway obstruction include difficulty swallowing and a change in voice pitch. Abdominal attacks cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Some patients require hospitalization for low blood pressure, dehydration, and pain management. As noted above, abdominal attacks can mimic a surgical abdomen and many patients have been subjected to unnecessary exploratory surgery.
