Facial swelling

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Facial swelling

Facial swelling can occur for many reasons.

• A severe allergic reaction can cause the entire face to swell.
• A skin infection (cellulitis) may be present. Cellulitis within the eye socket (orbital) or around the eye (periorbital) is a very serious condition and can spread rapidly. Discharge from the eye and irritation of the inside of the eyelids (conjunctivitis) also may be present.
• A salivary gland infection, inflammation, or stone formation between the ear and jaw or under the chin can cause the face to swell.
• Mouth or dental problems, such as an impacted tooth, a tooth abscess, or gum disease, may cause swelling.
• Mumps can cause swelling on one or both sides of the face and neck.
• A sinus infection (sinusitis) may cause facial swelling, though this is rare. If swelling is related to a sinus infection, it will be located over the affected sinus.

Occasionally you may wake up in the morning with puffy eyes or a swollen face from lying flat in bed. This type of swelling goes away on its own. As long as the swollen area is not red or tender, it is not usually a cause for concern.

The treatment of facial swelling depends on the cause. Call your health professional for an evaluation if you are having problems with facial swelling.

Credits

Last updated:	May 15, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer