so, I was researching what disease he got diagnosed with and it turns out it not only affects his lips but also his genitals, and everything makes so much more sense now.
"Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition that affects the immune system, leading to recurrent episodes of sudden and severe swelling in various parts of the body, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and airways. These swelling episodes can be triggered by different factors, such as stress, trauma, infections, or, in some cases, they can occur spontaneously.
Hereditary angioedema is caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor, a protein that regulates the complement system, a part of the immune system. The deficiency of this protein leads to inappropriate activation of the complement system, resulting in increased vascular permeability and fluid accumulation in the tissues, causing swelling.
The most common symptoms of hereditary angioedema include:
- Sudden swelling: Typically affecting areas such as the face, lips, tongue, hands, feet, genitals, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Intense abdominal pain: May occur due to swelling in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Difficulty breathing: If the swelling affects the airways, it can lead to severe respiratory problems.
The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema is based on the medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including measuring C1 inhibitor levels in the blood. There is no cure for hereditary angioedema, but there are treatment options to control symptoms, including medications to relieve swelling and, in some cases, C1 inhibitor replacement therapy.
It's important for anyone who suspects they have hereditary angioedema to seek guidance from a specialist in immunology or allergology for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan."