Health Encyclopedia

Facial swelling

Definition

Facial swelling is the build-up of fluid in the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.

Alternative Names

Puffy face; Swelling of the face; Moon face; Facial edema

Considerations

If the facial swelling is mild, it may be hard to detect. To assist the health care provider in diagnosing the cause, it is important to note the following:

Pain, and where it hurts
How long the swelling has lasted
What makes it better or worse
If you have other symptoms

Common Causes

Allergic reaction (such as allergic rhinitis, hay fever, or a bee sting)
Angioedema
Blood transfusion reaction
Cellulitis
Conjunctivitis with swelling around the eye(s)
Drug reactions, including those due to aspirin, penicillin, sulfa, glucocorticoids, and others
Head, nose, or jaw surgery
Injury or trauma to the face (such as a burn)
Malnutrition (when severe)
Obesity
Sinusitis
Stye with swelling around the infected eye
Tooth abscess

Home Care

Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling from an injury. Raise the head of the bed (or use extra pillows) to help reduce facial swelling.

Call your health care provider if

You should call your health care provider if you have:

Sudden, painful, or severe facial swelling
Facial swelling that lasts a while, particularly if it is getting worse over time
Difficulty breathing
Fever, tenderness, or redness, which suggests infection

What to expect at your health care provider's office

If facial swelling is caused by burns, or respiratory distress is present, emergency measures must be taken first. Then the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting facial swelling in detail may include the following:

How long has the facial swelling lasted?
When did it begin?
What makes it worse?
What makes it better?
What is your height and weight?
How is your diet?
Has there been exposure to something to which the person may be allergic (an antigen)?
What medication are you taking?
Have you had recent facial injury?
Have you had a recent test or surgical procedure?
What other symptoms are also present? Especially, is there:
- Facial pain
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives or rash
- Eye redness
- Fever

Diagnostic tests will be determined by other accompanying symptoms and results of the physical examination.

Review Date:1/22/2007
Reviewed By:Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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