A case report of hereditary angioedema discovered by laryngeal edema

Abstract

We herein report a case of hereditary angioedema (HAE). A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a complaint of respiratory distress and was admitted because of swelling of the throat. Since she was aware of swelling of the pharynx and dyspnea from the first visit, she was admitted immediately on the same day, and emergency tracheotomy was planned. On close inspection, HAE was diagnosed. HAE is a rare disease that causes edema in various parts of the body and can be fatal when it triggers upper airway narrowing. If HAE can be diagnosed promptly, then effective treatment can be successfully administered. Otolaryngologists should therefore be aware of this entity.