2. Take Breaks to Lower Stress
“While it’s easier said than done, I routinely recommend that my HAE patients control their stress as much as possible,” says Baptist.
- Doing deep breathing for five minutes at the start of your day
- Taking a short outdoor walk during your lunch break
- Listening to music on your commute
- Stretching gently or journaling to unwind before bed
- Taking time for hobbies like gardening, painting, or cooking
3. Exercise
“It seems that anything you can do to bolster your immune system can decrease HAE attacks, since HAE is linked to immune system dysfunction,” says Baptist.
Talk with your doctor to find an exercise plan that works for you. “Walking and swimming are excellent activities for most patients,” says Baptist. Some people with HAE prefer to limit activities involving repetitive movements that exert pressure (like bouncing a basketball) or those with the potential to cause minor trauma (such as contact sports or cycling on uneven surfaces).
4. Prepare for Hot Weather
“Excessive anything can bring on an HAE attack,” says Dr. Levy, including extreme temperatures, sun exposure, and sweating on a very hot day.
While you can’t change the weather, a quick look at your local forecast can give you a heads-up as to what to expect outside for the day. From there, prepare accordingly by wearing appropriate clothing, staying hydrated, and limiting your time in the heat.
5. Stay Hydrated
Speaking of staying hydrated, it isn’t always easy to drink enough water. But doing so is especially important for people with HAE since dehydration can stress your system, which increases the likelihood of an HAE attack, says Rita Kachru, MD, an allergist and immunologist with UCLA Health in Santa Monica, California.
Setting regular times to sip throughout the day — a big glass of water when you first wake up, another when you walk in the door at the end of the day, and so on — can help ensure that you get your fill. (Individual fluid needs vary, but you can calculate yours here.)
6. Brush and Floss
Excellent dental hygiene is crucial when you have HAE, so set aside enough time in the morning and evening to brush and floss properly, says Baptist.
Good oral hygiene can reduce your risk of gum disease and infections, cavities, and other complications that can result in the need for extensive dental work. Dental procedures are known triggers for HAE attacks, especially in the mouth and throat.
7. Stick to Your Sleep Hygiene Routine
Pick a bedtime that allows you to log seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and stick to it. Getting enough quality rest helps keep emotional and physical stress in check, which is important in managing HAE and keeping attacks at bay, says Stephen Schworer, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology, allergy, and immunology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.
8. Double-Check Your On-Demand Medications
Your on-demand medications are your best defense against HAE attacks once you start to notice symptoms. For this reason, the U.S. HAEA Medical Advisory Board recommends having at least two doses of your on-demand medications with you at all times, including when you’re on the go.
Regularly checking your medication kit can ensure that you’re prepared to treat an HAE attack as quickly as needed, giving you some peace of mind. In addition to making sure you have adequate dosages, “consider the need for syringes, needles, or infusion supplies for certain therapies,” says Dr. Schworer.
How to Build a Ritual Routine That Sticks
Healthy habits don’t typically happen overnight, but focusing on just one new ritual at a time can help you make meaningful changes while keeping stress in check. If you’re having trouble prioritizing which behaviors may have the most significant impact on your HAE control, Baptist recommends starting by talking with your doctor.
Keep in mind, too, that employing healthy habits for your HAE should make you feel good, not more anxious. If your routines are making you feel overwhelmed, or if you’re generally struggling with fear or stress about attacks, let your doctor know.
“We can talk about ways to address it, whether by talking with a mental health provider or exploring other stress reduction outlets,” says Baptist.
The Takeaway
- Establishing daily rituals like morning body checks and consistent sleep hygiene can provide a sense of stability and help identify early symptoms before an HAE attack occurs.
- Proactively managing physical and emotional triggers through rituals like stress relief breaks can help keep more attacks at bay.
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and engaging in low-impact exercise are essential to HAE management, as dental procedures and physical trauma to the body are known triggers for swelling.
- Always carry at least two doses of your on-demand medication and necessary supplies, ensuring that you’re prepared to treat symptoms immediately and reduce the intensity of an attack.
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