Every year, World HAE Day is observed globally on May 16 not only to show solidarity with patients suffering from this condition, but also to raise awareness among the general public and healthcare professionals. The theme for this year is “Awareness Through Education Campaign.”
Globally, community activities are carried out under the campaign “Be Active 4 HAE” by encouraging participation in physical well-being activities from 1st April to 31st May every year. These campaigns aim to encourage communities to wear purple, stay active, and spread awareness through social media.
The slogan “Many Faces, One Family” is being used worldwide to unite the global HAE community. Purple has also been designated internationally as the representative colour for HAE awareness. As part of this awareness campaign, SKIMS Medical College under the aegis of IADVL J&K, organised an awareness walk to sensitize medical students, healthcare workers and general public about this rare but potentially life threatening disorder.
The awareness walk was held within the college premises and focused on spreading information regarding the signs and symptoms of HAE. The event witnessed participation from the Principal SKIMS MCH, Prof.
Fazlul Qadir Parray; Associate Dean, SKIMS MCH, Prof Aijaz Rather; President IADVL J&K chapter and HOD Department of Dermatology, Prof. Seema Qayoom; Honorary Secretary, IADVL J&K, Dr Peerzada Sajad; Treasurer, IADVL J&K, Dr. Molvi Khalid Abbas; Professor, Department of Dermatology, Prof. Farah Sameem; Professor, Department of Pathology, Prof JB Singh. Addressing the participants Prof. Parray encouraged the students to adopt healthy lifestyle practices and actively participate in awareness initiatives aimed at promoting public health and patient support. On this occasion, the IADVL J&K also conducted a CME programme to raise awareness amongst the healthcare professionals regarding the early diagnosis, clinical management and focused on the newer treatment modalities. Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a type of angioedema characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling involving the face, lips, eyelids, extremities, gastrointestinal tract, and larynx.
Laryngeal edema may prove fatal if not recognized and treated promptly. Gastrointestinal involvement can result in severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and may mimic an acute surgical abdomen.
There are different types of HAE depending upon whether the C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) protein is quantitatively deficient or functionally defective. Deficiency or dysfunction of this protein leads to excessive production of bradykinin, a vasoactive peptide that increases vascular permeability, resulting in leakage of fluid into the skin and mucosal tissues, manifesting clinically as angioedema. Typically, patients experience tingling or burning sensations before the appearance of lesions. Unlike mast cell-mediated angioedema, itching and urticarial wheals are usually absent. Since the pathogenesis is not mast-cell mediated, conventional antihistamines and corticosteroids are generally ineffective in relieving symptoms. Hence, early diagnosis and prompt management are essential.
