This infographic has been developed by Shire and is intended for non-US audiences. If you have any medical concerns, please speak to your physician. Living with Hereditary Angioedema
We have hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare disease which can cause recurring, painful and unpredictable swelling attacks in parts of our bodies. Scroll over the people to learn more about them
HAE ATTACKS Swelling can occur in my...
The swelling can develop rapidly, but more often develops gradually over 24 hours The swelling may last from 1-5 days
HAE ATTACKS Swelling can occur in my...
The swelling can develop rapidly, but more often develops gradually over 24 hours The swelling may last from 1-5 days
Hands
HAE ATTACKS Swelling can occur in my...
The swelling can develop rapidly, but more often develops gradually over 24 hours The swelling may last from 1-5 days
Feet
HAE ATTACKS Swelling can occur in my...
The swelling can develop rapidly, but more often develops gradually over 24 hours The swelling may last from 1-5 days
Abdomen
HAE ATTACKS Swelling can occur in my...
The swelling can develop rapidly, but more often develops gradually over 24 hours The swelling may last from 1-5 days
Face
HAE ATTACKS Swelling can occur in my...
The swelling can develop rapidly, but more often develops gradually over 24 hours The swelling may last from 1-5 days
Upper Airway
Less than 1% of swelling attacks occur in the upper airway, but these can be potentially life threatening Medical advice must be sought for all laryngeal attacks due to the potential risk
TRIGGERS Many things may trigger my attacks.
Medications Fatigue Physical activity Some attacks can occur without an obvious trigger and not everyone will experience a trigger
Dental procedures Change of weather Emotional stress Infection
BURDEN OF ILLNESS And these attacks can have a big impact on my daily life
On average, people with HAE miss 20 days of school or work per year Untreated attacks may last as long as 5 days Patients believed that HAE has been an obstacle to progress in their education and in their career Data based on a European Burden of Illness of Study involving 186 patients in 3 countries
DIAGNOSIS Once I was diagnosed with HAE, I learnt more about my condition
An accurate diagnosis may be delayed for more than 10 years HAE can be diagnosed with a blood test Because HAE symptoms are similar to other diseases, it can be difficult to recognize and diagnose Treatments for HAE are available to help manage the symptoms
EDUCATION My doctor also helped me to understand HAE and how to treat my attacks.
Be sure to discuss the following: How often do you get an attack? How long do they last for? Which areas of the body swell most frequently? Do you notice factors that may trigger your attacks? Do you ever have a feeling that an attack is about to happen or an early symptom
FAMILY HISTORY I found out that HAE is in my family, so we’ve all been tested for it now.
If HAE has been identified in your family it is possible that you or some of your relatives may have also inherited it. HAE is an inherited genetic disease. A parent with HAE has a 50% chance of passing HAE to their child.
BURDEN OF ILLNESS I still worry about my HAE attacks.
HAE patients experience higher levels of anxiety and depression
MANAGEMENT But being aware of what HAE is and being able to manage it means we don’t let it hold us back from living fulfilling and active lives.
If these symptoms are familiar, contact your doctor. INTSP/C-ANPROM /HAE/15/0001 Date of preparation: January 2015 References