Definition for hereditary angioedema

This form, called hereditary angioedema (HAE), is due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. It is occasionally referred to using the outdated term, "hereditary angioneurotic edema" (HANE), since it was thought to be a purely stress-related condition brought on by emotional trauma and/or neuroses. more

This form, called hereditary angioedema (HAE), is due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. It is occasionally referred to using the outdated term, "hereditary angioneurotic edema" (HANE), since it was thought to be a purely stress-related condition brought on by emotional trauma and/or neuroses. This inaccurate portrayal of HAE caused many sufferers to be wrongly labeled as mentally unstable, and they were frequently denied medical treatment for their symptoms. These symptoms are often excruciatingly painful, especially when the swelling occurs deep inside the GI tract, bladder, and reproductive organs. Modern medicine has since debunked the theory, thus removing the word 'neurotic' from its name. less