The nation’s first dedicated center for diagnosing and treating diverse forms of swelling, which are collectively known as angioedema, has opened at the University of California, San Diego Health System. Clinical director, Dr. Marc Reidl says their center hopes to be leaders in three areas.

"The first is patient care, so offering best possible comprehensive care to patients with hereditary angioedema; the second is to lead in the area of research and that includes both clinical trials of new medications, but also basic research to help us better understand the underlying cause for hereditary angioedema and other forms of angioedema. And third, to provide education for both health care providers, as well as for affected individuals and their families."

Reidl says it will also serve as an international referral center.