A correct diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) is key. Sometimes people are treated for allergies when it's really HAE that causes their swelling. Antihistamines and corticosteroids that treat allergies don’t work well for this disease.
You can have severe stomach swelling, pain, and diarrhea and severe dehydration and it can lead to surgery you don't need.
Your doctor will do a physical exam. You'll also need blood tests to confirm it’s HAE.
If you do have it, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist familiar with the condition. You should also ask your doctor about having other members of your family tested, even if no one has symptoms.