About HAE

ACE Inhibitor: Class of medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other diseases.
Anabolic steroid: Also referred to as attenuated androgen, a class of steroid hormones used to prevent HAE attacks. Although their mechanism of action in HAE patients is unknown, these agents are believed to partially reverse the biochemical defect by increasing levels of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), helping to prevent angioedema attacks in patients with inherited C1-INH deficiency.
Antifibrolytic agent: Medicines used to prevent HAE attacks. These agents inhibit the activation of plasmin, a chemical in the blood that can make the C1-INH less effective.
Attenuated androgen: Also referred to as anabolic steroid, a class of steroid hormones used to prevent HAE attacks. Although their mechanism of action in HAE patients is unknown, these agents are believed to partially reverse the biochemical defect by increasing levels of C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), helping to prevent angioedema attacks in patients with inherited C1-INH deficiency.
Bradykinin: A protein that causes blood vessels to expand (dilate) and leak serum and other fluids.
C1 inhibitor: Also referred to as C1-INH, a protein found in the fluid part of your blood that controls C1, a component of your body's complement system. Abnormal swelling can result when C1-INH is insufficient or defective.
C1-INH: Also referred to as C1 inhibitor, a protein found in the fluid part of your blood that controls C1, a component of your body's complement system. Abnormal swelling can result when C1-INH is insufficient or defective.
Complement system: The complement system is made up of proteins like C1 that float in your bloodstream, which work with the immune system to fight organisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Drug formulary: A list of prescription medications selected for coverage under a health insurance plan.
HAE: HAE, or Hereditary Angioedema, is a rare, hereditary disease of the immune system that affects an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 adults and children globally. HAE causes attacks of spontaneous swelling that are often painful and severe, and can be life-threatening.
Hereditary Angioedema: A rare, hereditary disease of the immune system that affects an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 adults and children globally. Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) causes attacks of spontaneous swelling that are often painful and severe, and can be life-threatening.
Laryngeal attack: An HAE attack that affects the larynx (throat); this can block or close the airway, leading to difficulty breathing and, potentially, death.
Plasma kallikrein: A chemical in the bloodstream that is involved in blood clotting; it plays an important role in causing the swelling of HAE attacks.
Preventive therapy: In HAE, medicine taken to prevent attacks.
Prodrome: One or more physical warnings of an HAE attack; can appear as a rash or a feeling of skin tightness.
Serum: The clear, watery, fluid-component of blood that resembles fluid in a blister.
Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin.
Trigger: In HAE, something that causes an attack. Stress and trauma are two common HAE attack triggers.

SIGN IN|CONTACT US|GLOSSARY|RESOURCES

|

Header: About HAE

Welcome to HAE Hope

About HAE

HAE Attacks

Treating HAE

Living With HAE

HAE Perspectives
- Ask the Expert
- Community Tips

Site Registration

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Site Map

Edit Your Profile

Logout

About HAE

Hereditary angioedema, or HAE, is a rare disease of the immune system, affecting an estimated 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people around the world. HAE causes attacks of spontaneous swelling that are often painful and severe. The most common locations of attacks are the:

Hands
Feet
Face
Genitals
Abdomen
Larynx (throat), which can be life-threatening

HAE is called "hereditary" because it is caused by a genetic defect that is passed through families. When a parent has HAE, there is a 50% chance that his or her child will inherit the disease. "Angioedema" refers to a swelling of skin similar to hives but, unlike hives, the swelling in HAE is sometimes below the skin's surface and is not accompanied by an itching sensation.

This section will help you learn more about HAE, including:

Diagnosing HAE
How your doctor will make a diagnosis.

Do I Have HAE?
These questions will help you and your doctor discuss your symptoms.

HAE Causes
Find out how genes play a key role in HAE.

Types of HAE
Learn about the main types of the disease.

PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE | SITEMAP | Home | About HAE | HAE Attacks | Treating HAE | Living with HAE | HAE Perspectives | Register | Contact Us

© Dyax Corp. 2010. All rights reserved

You are now leaving HAEHope.com.
The web site you are about to visit is neither owned nor controlled by Dyax Corp. Dyax Corp. is not responsible for the content, products or services on this site.

Do you wish to continue?