Hereditary angioedema affecting the face: what to know

Hereditary angioedema causes episodes of deeper swelling beneath the skin. The face, lips, hands, feet, abdomen, and throat can be affected. Swelling may develop without the raised, itchy welts associated with [Hives](/conditions/urticaria/), although symptoms vary between people.

Attacks can be painful or tight rather than itchy and may be triggered by procedures, injury, stress, illness, or hormonal changes. A family history of similar episodes is useful information, but a clinician must confirm the diagnosis and provide an attack plan.

Follow the personal emergency plan supplied by your specialist and keep prescribed rescue medicine available as directed. Tell dentists, surgeons, and other clinicians about the diagnosis before procedures. Do not assume that routine allergy medicine will control hereditary attacks; treatment choices depend on the mechanism and your plan.

Record the start of swelling, affected areas, possible triggers, abdominal symptoms, and response to treatment. This helps your specialist refine prevention and emergency advice. General information about [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/) can help you recognise related patterns.

Call emergency services immediately for tongue, throat, or mouth swelling; hoarseness; trouble swallowing; noisy breathing; chest tightness; dizziness; or breathing difficulty. Do not wait for facial swelling to settle if airway symptoms appear. Use your prescribed emergency treatment as instructed while seeking urgent help.

How will hereditary angioedema be confirmed? Which medicine should I use at the first sign of an attack? What should family members and emergency clinicians know? Before a procedure, do I need a specific prevention plan? Would [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) or another option have a role in my case?