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Sometimes an HAE attack will require a visit to the hospital. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare might help make any hospital stays a little easier.

When do you need to go to hospital?

 

Being able to self-administer your medication means you can treat some HAE attacks at home. However, there are some symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. These include1–3:

  • Throat swelling that blocks the airway, prevents normal breathing and is therefore life-threatening
    Some of the symptoms of throat swelling may include a hoarse voice or laryngitis (e.g., a dry sore throat), difficulty in swallowing, throat tightness and voice changes. If you experience this type of attack, go straight to your nearest A&E department.
  • Intestinal swelling, which can cause intense, abdominal pain that can progress to vomiting and diarrhoea
    Intestinal swelling can be mistaken for an abdominal disorder, such as appendicitis as the symptoms can be similar, which makes diagnosis difficult.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately by calling 999:

Hoarse voice Hoarse voice or laryngitis
Difficulty swallowing Difficulty in swallowing
Tightness in the throat Feeling of tightness in the throat
Voice changes Voice changes

Plan ahead!

There are many things you can do to prepare for possible emergency situations. Talk with your doctor to make a plan for what to do in an emergency and share this with people around you in case you need their support.

You might also:

  • Identify your nearest emergency department and how to get there
  • Contact local hospitals in your area and notify them about your condition so they are familiar with HAE if you need urgent care
  • Carry a Patient ID card or a letter that can provide important information about your condition if you are unable to communicate it in an emergency

Don’t forget your ‘Go Kit’

 

If you do need to go to hospital, there are several things you can take with you to help things go more smoothly and ensure you get the care you need.

This is your ‘Go Kit’, and it contains some helpful resources for when you are going into hospital. These include:

  • Patient ID Card with details for your chosen emergency contact, as well as a specialist doctor or nurse. You can download this here and personalise.
  • Your Berinert medication
  • Your Berinert Diary, to provide the healthcare team with information on any recent attacks and use of your treatment
  • A letter for emergency doctors that explains what HAE is and your treatment. You can download a template here and personalise it with your details
  • Your step by step guide on how to prepare for hospital visits. You can download your leaflet ready to go here

It may be helpful to have a hospital bag packed with these items ready. You could also include items for when you are recovering such as snacks or entertainment like books.

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Travelling with HAE

If you are going on holiday it is important to consider what you would do in an emergency while travelling. For example, you could check online where the nearest hospital or doctor with HAE expertise is wherever you are travelling before you go.

For further information on things to consider when travelling if you have HAE, visit the HAE UK website.

REFERENCES

  1. Craig TJ, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 66: 1604–1112
  2. Gompels MM, et al. Clin Exp Immunol 2005; 139: 379–394
  3. Longhurst HJ, et al. Clin Exp Immunol. 2015; 180(3): 475–483