Both conditions can cause the same distressing symptom: swelling (angioedema).
In both HAE and allergic angioedema, swelling can occur in the following parts of your face and body:
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- Eyelids
- Lips
- Tongue
- Throat and airways
- Hands
- Feet
- Genitals
“There are a few key differences in how the conditions present,” says Timothy Craig, DO, a professor of medicine and an allergy and immunology researcher at Penn State Health in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Histamine-mediated (or allergic) angioedema often causes redness, itchiness, and sometimes hives, Dr. Craig says.
Although swelling related to HAE can look red, it’s typically not itchy, rarely has hives, and lasts longer — a few days rather than hours, he says.
Both types of angioedema can be serious if swelling affects your airways. Throat or tongue swelling, often accompanied by a hoarse voice, or any trouble breathing are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment.
