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Living with Acquired angioedema

A rare condition in adults with repeated episodes of swelling of the face, body, or digestive tract.

Understanding Acquired angioedema

Acquired angioedema (AAE) is a rare disorder that causes repeated episodes of swelling of the face or body.

Swelling can last several days and can affect the face, lips, tongue, limbs, or genitals. Swelling of the digestive tract can cause belly pain and nausea. Swelling of the upper airway can be serious. Triggers include mild trauma such as dental work, viral illness, cold, pregnancy, certain foods, or stress. GARD lists onset as adult.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a symptom list for this condition yet. The summary describes these features:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • Swelling of the arms, legs, or genitals
  • Abdominal pain and nausea
  • Swelling of the upper airway

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and allergy and immune system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Allergy and immune system specialists (allergists / immunologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which type of acquired angioedema do I have?
What is my plan if I have swelling in the face or airway?
Should I be checked for related autoimmune or blood conditions?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD describes two forms. Type 1 is linked with other diseases such as lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. Type 2 involves autoantibodies against a blood protein called C1-INH.

Also known as: aae; acquired angioneurotic edema; acquired angioneurotic oedema; acquired bradykinine-induced angioedema; acquired c1 inhibitor deficiency; acquired non histamine-induced angioedema

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Acquired angioedemaGARD ID 8605 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Acquired angioedema.

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Explore research for Acquired angioedema

Explore actively recruiting Acquired angioedema studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Acquired angioedema with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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