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Warning-sign checks

HANE: 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:

    • Tongue or throat swelling
    • A hoarse or changing voice
    • Trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
    • Noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, or severe weakness

    Use prescribed on-demand treatment immediately if your plan directs you to do so, but do not wait at home to see whether airway symptoms improve.

    Tell emergency staff that you have, or may have, hereditary angioedema.

    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 urgent medical assessment for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, or signs of dehydration.

    These symptoms may be an abdominal HANE attack, but other urgent conditions can look similar.

    A first episode of unexplained facial, tongue, or throat swelling also needs prompt medical assessment, especially if the cause is uncertain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if attacks are becoming more frequent, treatment is not working as expected, or side effects are causing problems.

    Review your plan before dental work, surgery, pregnancy, or a long trip.

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