Facial Swelling

What is facial swelling?

Facial swelling (facial edema) happens when fluid builds up in the tissues of your face. It’s a symptom of many common allergies, injuries and infections. It can also be a sign of certain underlying medical conditions. Swelling can occur on one or both sides of your face. Sometimes, swelling can spread to your neck or throat.

Are there different severity levels of facial edema?

Facial swelling can range from mild to severe. If you have slight puffiness upon waking that goes away in a few hours, it’s probably not a cause for concern. But facial swelling that lingers or gets worse over time could mean there’s something else going on. Random facial swelling always warrants medical treatment.

It can be unsettling to develop facial swelling, especially when it happens without an obvious cause. If you have pain, or if the swelling occurred suddenly, it’s best to see a healthcare provider.

What are the most common causes of facial swelling?

Many things can cause facial edema. For instance, a puffy face in the morning can be a sign of normal overnight fluid retention. Facial swelling can be more pronounced if you get too much or too little sleep. It’s also an expected side effect if you have surgeries or sustain injuries that involve your face, jaw or neck.

Common face swelling causes include:

• Allergic reactions, including hay fever, bee stings or food allergies.
• Drug reactions, including medication allergies and side effects. (Prednisone can cause facial swelling in some people, for example.)
• Facial trauma like a broken nose or fractured jaw.
• Infections that may involve your face, like cellulitis, pink eye and sinusitis.

Specific medical conditions that may cause facial edema include:

• Angioedema, a painless swelling under your skin that can affect your eyes, lips and tongue.
• Cushing syndrome, which develops when your body makes too much cortisol.
• Hyperthyroidism, when your thyroid gland makes too much hormone.
• Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of your skin, joints and some organs.
• Preeclampsia, high blood pressure during pregnancy.

The following conditions can cause a swollen face on one side:

• Cyst, a fluid-filled lump under your skin.
• Lipoma, a noncancerous fatty tumor.
• Salivary gland conditions like salivary stones, swollen salivary glands and parotid gland swelling.
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
• Tooth abscess, a pocket of pus that results from bacterial infection. This can result in swelling in the face due to the spread of infection.

In rare cases, facial swelling is a sign of anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction). If you develop anaphylaxis symptoms like shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing, seek emergency medical care.

How is facial swelling treated?

Treatment for a swollen face depends on the cause and may include:

• Antibiotics for infection-related facial edema.
• Antihistamines for allergy-related facial swelling.
• Corticosteroids for treating rash- or allergy-related facial swelling.
• Epinephrine auto-injector (EPIPEN^®) for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
• Medication changes when a drug causes facial edema.
• Nasal irrigation for swelling due to sinusitis.
• Surgery for facial trauma, or to treat conditions like a blocked salivary gland or abscessed tooth.

A healthcare provider will consider several factors when treating a swollen or bloated face. They might ask you questions like:

• When did the facial swelling start?
• What are your other symptoms?
• Does the swelling ever get better?
• Has it gotten worse?
• Do you have any known allergies?
• What medications do you take?
• Have you started any new medications recently?
• Have you ever had a facial injury?

What can I do at home to treat a puffy face?

If you have random facial swelling, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. In the meantime, here are some things you can do at home to ease symptoms:

• Keep your head elevated to reduce fluid buildup in your face.
• Place a cold compress on your face to help with inflammation and swelling.
• Take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®).

Can facial edema be prevented?

You can’t always prevent a swollen face. It often happens for reasons out of your control. But you can do the following to reduce your risk in some cases:

• Avoid allergens. Stay away from foods and medications that cause known reactions.
• Eat nutrient-rich foods. Whole grains with fresh fruits and veggies can boost your immune system and protect you against conditions that cause facial swelling.
• Find ways to reduce stress. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can support your overall health and immunity.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth abscesses.

When should facial swelling be treated by a healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you develop sudden facial swelling or swelling with severe facial pain. You should also let your provider know if you develop facial swelling along with:

• Itchy skin.
• Shortness of breath.
• Signs of infection (fever, skin discoloration, tenderness).

When should I go to the ER?

In some cases, facial swelling is a medical emergency. Call emergency services or head to your nearest ER if you have:

• A bite or sting from a venomous insect.
• Burn-related swelling.
• Difficulty breathing (you feel like your throat is swelling shut).

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Looking in the mirror and seeing a swollen face can be scary, especially if it’s painful or sudden. Sometimes, a puffy face is a symptom of poor sleep or mild seasonal allergies. But if facial swelling lingers for more than a few days, it’s time to call your healthcare provider. They can run tests to see if you have an underlying condition that needs treatment.