Face Swelling refers to a type of Edema that occurs due to a buildup of fluid in the facial tissues.
Some people wake up to find their face swollen or puffy. Sometimes, having a face swelling could be the result of stress or a bad night’s of sleep, in which a person possibly placed too much pressure on the face.
Other times, a swollen face may be the sign of an underlying condition or the exposure to a substance that produces an allergic response or causes facial inflammation.
In such cases, people are dealing with Facial Edema, also known as Face Swelling.
Facial Edema consists of an accumulation of fluids in some tissues of the face, which usually manifests as swelling.
More often than not, Face Swelling occurs around the area of the nose and the eyes. But, in some cases, it can even affect the neck and the upper arms.
Causes
The most typical reasons why a Facial Edema occurs are because of infections and allergic reactions. However, some other conditions or specific circumstances may cause Face Swelling as well.
Sometimes, a surgical procedure can cause infections such as Cellulitis, which consists of a condition that affects the tissues just below the skin featuring a red, swollen rash.
Another infection that can cause Facial Edema is Erysipelas, a contagious disease that involves the top layers of the dermis and manifests as shiny, raised, indurated, and tender plaques on the skin.
A contagious infection known as Impetigo is another potential cause of Facial Edema. This condition usually features vesicles, pustules, and yellowish crusts on the skin. It can lead to red sores on the face.
Other minor issues can lead to the development of Asymmetric Facial Swelling. For example, an infection in the teeth, gums, or behind the tonsils can cause swelling around that specific area.
However, in some cases, Facial Edema is the result of a drug allergy, which can become a medical emergency that requires urgent care.
Salivary Gland Infection may cause swelling in the lower half of the face.
Several allergic responses can lead to Facial Edema too. The eye inflammation known as Conjunctivitis could be one of such allergies. It can cause swelling around the area surrounding the eyes.
Another potential cause of Face Swelling is Sinusitis, which consists of an inflammation of the cavities around the nasal passages.
One complication that affects pregnant patients, and can also cause Facial Edema, is Preeclampsia. It is a condition that features high blood pressure and requires urgent medical attention.
Dehydration and Facial injury or trauma may also lead to the development of Face Swelling.
Face Swelling Symptoms
A typical sign of Facial Swelling is the inflammation and redness in the affected area around the eyes and the nose. Itchy rashes may also appear causing pain or discomfort to the patient.
The symptoms will vary depending on the cause. Some patients can display nasal congestion and watery eyes. Other may have some trouble breathing or dizziness.
Most severe cases feature fever and even wheezing, which consists of a whistling noise caused by a narrowing or obstruction of a respiratory airway.
Some had even suffered eventual Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that requires medical attention or even treatment as soon as possible).
Diagnosis
Medical experts will focus on finding out the cause of the inflammation. The may consult the medical history and perform a physical examination.
Some doctors order blood tests and cultures, and when it comes to Long-term Facial Edema, they may perform radiological tests as well.
Face Swelling Treatment
When healthcare providers determine the cause of the Face Swelling, they can start treating the patient.
If the edema occurs due to some minor trauma or dehydration, doctors will allow patients to manage the condition at home with simple procedures such as the use of ice, hydration, and rest.
When the patient has moderate Face Swelling, medical experts may prescribe medications such as antibiotics to treat infections.
In some cases, doctors may need to drain the fluids of the infected area with a needle.
When the Facial Swelling occurs due to an allergic reaction, healthcare providers will likely administer intravenous medication to reverse the symptoms as soon as possible.
Some ways to sooth the rashes caused by this edema involve the use of hydrocortisone creams or similar ointments.