Facial swelling happens when fluid builds up in the tissues of your face. A swollen or bloated face has many causes, including allergies, injuries and infections. It’s also a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Most cases of facial swelling require treatment — but the type of treatment depends on the cause.
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.
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.
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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:
Specific medical conditions that may cause facial edema include:
The following conditions can cause a swollen face on one side:
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.
Treatment for a swollen face depends on the cause and may include:
A healthcare provider will consider several factors when treating a swollen or bloated face. They might ask you questions like:
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:
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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:
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:
In some cases, facial swelling is a medical emergency. Call emergency services or head to your nearest ER if you have:
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.
Last reviewed on 08/15/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy