Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder that causes repeated episodes of swelling that most commonly occur in the intestinal tract, limbs, face, and airway. In about 25% of HAE cases, a non-itching red rash can develop before or during an attack. The majority of these attacks are self-limiting, but abdominal swelling may lead to nausea, vomiting, and severe pain. Furthermore, throat or laryngeal swelling can cause death due to asphyxiation. Although HAE is generally inherited, 20–25% of cases may occur due to spontaneous mutations, with no indication of HAE in the individual’s family history. HAE affects between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 50,000 people, and the duration and frequency of attacks vary greatly. Symptoms usually start in adolescence or childhood and continue throughout a person’s lifetime. 

This Datamonitor Healthcare report contains a Market Spotlight module.