Preparing for an
HAE emergency
Do you have a plan in place?
Before HAE preventive treatment was available, about 54% of hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients had an attack of swelling in their throat at least once in their lifetime.
Because throat attacks put you at risk of suffocation and can be life-threatening, everyone with HAE should have a plan in place in case of this emergency.
Topics to discuss with a doctor
Here are some topics to cover when talking to your doctor about planning for emergencies.
Talk with your doctor about what to do in an emergency and make sure you share the information with the people you're around most. They may need to help you take the necessary steps.
Find out where the nearest emergency room is and how to get there. Contacting the hospitals in your area and notifying them of your condition can also help if you should need urgent care.
Your doctor may prescribe an acute or on-demand treatment to carry with you in case of an HAE attack. Established HAE treatment guidelines recommend everyone with HAE carry on-demand medication, so make sure to ask your doctor if it's right for you.
It was the sheer unpredictability of HAE that wore me down. Talk to your doctor about your HAE management plan. It’s OK to ask for help.
Matt, Living with HAE
Carry an Emergency Medical ID card
If you're in a situation where you are unable to communicate, this card can give medical personnel crucial information. You can ask your doctor to fill it out with you so that it includes accurate information about your condition and any specific direction related to your treatment plan.
Want an emergency medical ID card you can fill out now? We've got you covered. Print it out and put it in your wallet. While you're at it, keep a copy on your phone for good measure.
DOWNLOAD MEDICAL ID CARD