Facial swelling can be a symptom of a range of medical conditions. These can range from minor, easily-treatable ailments, to more serious conditions requiring urgent medical attention. Identifying the possible cause of the swelling helps determine the most appropriate treatment.
Common causes of facial swelling include:
- Allergy/Anaphylaxis
- Cushing syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Infection
- Injury
- Preeclampsia - high blood pressure associated with pregnancy
- Surgery
- Sinusitis
Facial Swelling Causes and Treatments
|
Causes of Facial Swelling |
Associated Symptoms |
Treatment |
|---|---|---|
|
Allergy/Anaphylaxis
|
|
Mild allergic reactions can usually be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) medications including antihistamines (tablets, creams, eye drops and nasal sprays) and corticosteroid creams if not contraindicated. Home remedies, such as a cold compress, ice pack or soothing cream can also provide some relief. More severe allergic reactions may be associated with other symptoms of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. If you suspect anaphylaxis you should call 911 and go to the emergency department. |
| Cushing syndrome |
|
You should contact your health care provider if you think you have Cushing syndrome, a condition where you have increased levels of cortisol in your body, especially if you are taking corticosteroid medication. |
| Hypothyroidism |
|
You should contact your health care provider if you think you have hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland is underactive. |
|
Infection
|
|
If you think you have a bacterial infection you should contact your health care provider. You may require an antibiotic or other treatment. If you think you have a viral infection, such as mumps, you should call your health care provider. Cold compresses and OTC pain relief such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may also be used if not contraindicated. |
|
Injury
|
|
Swelling associated with a minor injury may be treated at home with a cold compress or ice pack, which can be applied for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. An NSAID, such as ibuprofen, may also help with the pain and swelling if not contraindicated. If the swelling doesn’t improve or is associated with a more serious injury such as a broken bone, a traumatic head injury or concussion, you should contact your health care provider or go to the emergency department. |
| Preeclampsia |
|
Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure associated with pregnancy, can be life-threatening. If you think you have preeclampsia you should contact your health care provider. |
|
Sinusitis
|
|
Sinusitis may resolve by itself. However, a range of self-care options can help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis at home. Nasal rinses, breathing steam, using a decongestant or steroidal nasal spray, or taking an antihistamine or NSAID may also help if not contraindicated. If your symptoms do not improve after three days, or do not go away after 10 days, you should contact your health care provider. |
| Surgery | Ask your health care provider for the best way to manage swelling associated with your surgery. |