Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disorder that results in recurrent attacks of severe swelling. The swelling most commonly affects the arms, legs, face, intestinal tract, and airway. Itchiness does not typically occur. If the intestinal tract is affected abdominal pain and vomiting may occur. Swelling of the airway can result in its obstruction. Attacks, without treatment, typically occur every couple of weeks and last for a few days.There are three main types of HAE. Type I and II are caused by a mutation in the SERPING1 gene that makes the C1 inhibitor protein while type III is often due to a mutation of the factor XII gene. This results in increased amounts of bradykinin which promotes swelling. The condition may be inherited from a person's parents in an autosomal dominant manner or occur as a new mutation. Triggers of an attack may include minor trauma or stress, but often occurs without any obvious preceding event. Diagnosis of type I and II is based upon measuring C4 and C1-inhibitor levels.Management involves efforts to prevent attacks and the treatment of attacks if they occur. During an attack supportive care such as intravenous fluids and airway support may be required. The medication C1 inhibitor can be used for both prevention and treatment. Ecallantide and icatibant can be used to treat acute attacks.This disorder affects approximately one in 50,000 people. The condition is typically first noticed in childhood. Type I and II affected females and males equally. Type III affects females more often than males. When the airway is involved, without treatment, death occurs in about 25%. With treatment outcomes are generally good. The condition was first described in 1888 by William Osler.