This article explains some of the causes of face swelling.
Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection. It happens when the bacteria that is naturally in your body gets into the lining of areas like your mouth or your gut. The facial area is one part of the body that can be affected by actinomycosis.
When actinomycosis does affect the face, it is typically due to:
- tooth decay
- dental surgery
- injury
Symptoms of actinomycosis in the facial area include:
- lumps or swelling in your cheeks or neck
- pus that leaks from small holes in your skin
- difficulty chewing
Healthcare professionals typically prescribe antibiotics as a treatment for actinomycosis. This will often begin with intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital, followed by further doses of antibiotics at home after you are discharged.
Read about Actinomycetales infections.
Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction of the outer lining of the eyeball, called the conjunctiva. This is a common allergic reaction that affects
Allergic conjunctivitis is generally due to airborne allergens. Symptoms include:
- swelling or puffiness of the eyelids
- redness of conjunctiva
- itching or burning
- tearing or stringy discharge
- swelling of the eyeball
- photosensitivity
Rubbing or itching your eyes can make the symptoms worse. Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis typically includes allergy eye drops or artificial tears. When possible, avoiding the allergen that causes the reaction can also help with the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Read more about allergic conjunctivitis.
Angioedema is swelling beneath the skin. It can occur in various areas of the body, including the face. Angioedema is typically due to a reaction to something you are allergic to or a medication.
Generally, it is not serious. However, if it affects the area of your larynx, angioedema can be serious. This can lead to difficulty breathing.
Common areas affected by angioedema include:
- the area around your eyes
- lips and tongue
- hands
- feet
- genitals
Along with the swelling, many people experience hives as a symptom of angioedema. Other less common symptoms include:
Treatment for angioedema includes:
- avoiding the cause of the reaction
- antihistamines
- epinephrine auto-injector
- ceasing the use of medication, only if your doctor instructs you to do so
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction. It can be life threatening. Common causes of anaphylaxis include:
- food
- insect bites
- medications
- latex
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling, and tightening of the throat. The symptoms of anaphylaxis can come on suddenly.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical care. If you or someone around you experiences anaphylaxis, it is important to call emergency services right away.
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a trigger, such as an allergy, and is potentially life threatening.
Symptoms can come on quickly and include:
- feeling faint or lightheaded
- having difficulty breathing or wheezing
- experiencing a rapid heartbeat
- feeling confusion
- feeling anxiety
- having clammy skin
- collapsing or losing consciousness
- getting hives
- having swelling
- experiencing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
If you or someone around you develops these symptoms, you should:
- Check to see whether they have an epinephrine pen. If they do, read and follow the instructions to dispense the medication.
- Dial 911 (or a local emergency number).
- Lay them down. If they have vomited, lay them on their side.
- Stay with them until emergency services arrive.
It is possible for someone to need more than one injection with an epinephrine pen. If symptoms do not begin to clear after 5 minutes, give a second injection if one is available.
A broken nose, or nasal fracture, is the result of trauma to the nose. It is typically highly painful and may cause your nose to bleed. It can alter the appearance of your face and can also make it difficult to breathe.
Symptoms of a broken nose include:
- swelling and bruising of the nose and eyelids
- changes in the shape or appearance of your nose
- bleeding
- collection of blood in the septum
- displaced bone or cartilage
- pain
Contact your doctor if you have been struck in the nose and believe it may be broken. If your nose is broken but not out of position, the only treatment you may require is to rest and avoid bumping the area.
If your nose is broken badly enough to require repositioning, this can be done in your doctor’s office. However, if your septum has been damaged, you may require general anesthesia in order to reposition it.
Read more about a broken nose.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that is
Symptoms of cellulitis include:
- skin that is swollen and painful
- redness or discoloration
- skin that is warm and tender to the touch
- pitted skin
- blisters
- fever or chills
Treatment for cellulitis includes antibiotics.
Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that people experience during pregnancy. With this condition, the high blood pressure of the mother reduces the blood supply to the fetus.
Preeclampsia can affect all the organs in your body and is considered a serious condition.
People who are pregnant may develop preeclampsia after 20 weeks, often in the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms of preeclampsia include:
- swelling of the face or hands
- headache that will not go away
- changes in eyesight or seeing spots
- pain in your shoulder or upper abdomen
- sudden weight gain
- difficulty breathing
- nausea and vomiting in the second half of pregnancy
Treatment for preeclampsia involves close monitoring by your doctor. If you develop severe features of the condition, you may require treatment and monitoring in the hospital.
Discuss all management options and possible complications of preeclampsia with your doctor.
Other causes of facial swelling include:
- Cushing’s syndrome
- allergy to medications
- sinusitis
- tooth infection
- superior vena cava syndrome
- hypothyroidism
If you experience swelling in your face, contact your doctor. Many causes of facial swelling are not serious but may require specific treatment.
If you experience any of the symptoms of a serious reaction like anaphylaxis, contact emergency services right away.
Face swelling may have various causes. These range from allergic reactions to medical conditions. Many of these causes are not serious.
Reactions like anaphylaxis, however, are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment.
If you experience facial swelling of any kind, contact your doctor to have them look at the swelling. Even if the cause is not serious, it may require specific medical treatment.