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The Itch: Allergies, Asthma, Eczema & ImmunologyAuthor: The Itch: Allergies, Asthma & Immunology
A podcast bringing you easily digestible information on all things allergies, asthma eczema, and immunology Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#183 - How Is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Diagnosed?
Episode 192
Thursday, 12 November, 2026
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is diagnosed with three blood tests: C4, C1 inhibitor level, and C1 inhibitor function. The tests are simple. The hard part is that a doctor has to think of HAE first. That is why many people wait 5 to 10 years for an answer. Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Dr. Aleena Banerji, a professor at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. In part two of our HAE series, we cover the signs that point to HAE, what each test shows, and when genetic testing comes in. What we cover in this episode about how HAE is diagnosed Red flags for HAE. Swelling that keeps coming back, lasts 2 to 5 days, and comes without hives or itching. Allergy medicine, steroids, and epinephrine don't help. Symptoms usually start in childhood or the teen years. The three blood tests. Low C4 is a clue, because C4 gets used up when C1 inhibitor doesn’t work. The C1 inhibitor level shows how much you have, and the function test shows if it works. Doctors can order all three at once. Type 1 vs. type 2 HAE. In type 1, the C1 inhibitor level and function are both low. In type 2, the level looks normal but the protein doesn't work, so only the function test catches it. HAE with normal C1 inhibitor. All three blood tests look normal, but the swelling is the same. Genetic testing can find some causes, but it takes extra work and can cost more. Experts also rule out other causes first. Testing family members, babies, and during pregnancy. Close family members should be tested, even without symptoms. Blood tests can be misleading before age 1 and during pregnancy, so doctors may repeat them later or use genetic testing. More resources Hereditary Angioedema Ep. 178: What Is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)? ************ Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Phavaris for supporting today’s episode. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
