Facial swelling is a frequent symptom that may be caused by a variety of factors, including traumas, allergic responses, and infections, among others. Rarely, facial swelling may be a symptom of anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency that needs rapid medical attention to be administered. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most prevalent reasons for facial swelling. We also cover when to call our home GP for a swollen face in Costa del Sol.
Possible causes of face swelling
There are a multitude of reasons for facial swelling. These are some examples:
Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis is a long-term bacterial infection that affects the soft tissues of the body, causing swelling and abscesses. It is an uncommon and potentially serious illness. It is common for this ailment to affect the nose, mouth, stomach, throat, and intestines of a person.
Other signs and symptoms of actinomycosis are as follows:
- fever
- chest pain
- lumps on the face
- coughing
- weight loss
- skin sores
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a form of eye irritation that happens when a person has an allergic response to anything in their environment.
This illness produces red, watery, itchy, and burning eyes. When you first wake up in the morning, the skin around your eyes may seem swollen or puffy.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic response to an allergen that may be life-threatening. It is a medical emergency that has the potential to be lethal. Symptoms usually begin after a few hours of being exposed to the allergen and may rapidly worsen. They may include the following:
- Diarrhoea
- breathing difficulties
- hives, which is a red, itchy, and bumpy rash
- facial swelling
- loss of consciousness
- itching
- rapid heart rate
- nausea and vomiting
- a sudden drop in blood pressure
It is critical to call our home GP for a swollen face in Costa del Sol if you suspect someone is suffering from anaphylaxis.
Angioedema
Angioedema is a type of swelling that occurs deep within the skin as a result of an allergic reaction to medication, food, or another allergen, such as an insect bite or sting. Other symptoms of angioedema may include the following in addition to face swelling:
- itching
- hives
- stomach cramps
- rash
Broken nose
When the face is injured, it is possible for the bone in the nose to shatter. It is also possible that the trauma may produce face swelling and other symptoms such as:
- nosebleed
- a crooked nose
- pain
- bruising
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a kind of skin illness caused by a bacterial infection that creates regions of redness and swelling that are hot to the touch. It also has a reputation for being painful. It is possible that cellulitis will be fatal if left untreated.
The following are signs of a serious infection:
- streaks of red from the rash
- chills
- fever
Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that arises when the body produces an excessive amount of the hormone cortisol. People who suffer from Cushing's syndrome have a puffy, spherical appearance to their faces. They may also have skin that bruises readily, as well as excess or dense body hair, among other characteristics.
Drug allergy
An allergic response to a certain medicine may need immediate medical attention. Drug allergies may result in the following side effects, in addition to facial swelling:
- an itchy, red rash
- breathing difficulties
- hives
- fever
- upset stomach
- rapid heartbeat
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a medical disorder in which the thyroid gland does not generate enough hormones to keep the body functioning properly. Thyroid hormones aid in the regulation of the body's energy expenditure.
One of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism is a puffy, bloated face. Other signs and symptoms include:
- depression
- constipation
- fatigue
- dry skin
- high cholesterol
- feeling cold
- painful or stiff joints
- muscle weakness
- weight gain
- slow heart rate
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a medical disorder that develops during pregnancy and need immediate medical attention. Elevated blood pressure and a high quantity of protein in the urine are two of the first indications of kidney failure. Death may result from complications such as extremely elevated blood pressure, renal and liver damage, and seizures.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- a persistent headache
- abdominal pain
- swelling of the face and hands
- sudden weight gain
- vision changes
Sinusitis
An infection of the nasal passages and sinuses causes sinusitis, a common ailment that affects millions of people every year. This illness may be caused by allergies, bacterial or viral infections, or a combination of the two.
Sinusitis may result in swelling and pain around the nose and eyes, as well as the following symptoms:
- a sore throat
- a cough
- fever
- fatigue
- a runny or stuffy nose
- a headache
Tooth infection
Swelling around the jawline may be caused by an abscess or infection in a tooth or the gum tissue. In addition to causing pain and soreness in the afflicted region, infection may also induce swelling.
Superior vena cava syndrome
Inflammation and pigmentation of the face and neck are common symptoms of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, which is a dangerous illness.
Symptoms of SVC syndrome might appear gradually over time and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- swallowing difficulties
- coughing
- headaches
People who are experiencing signs of SVC syndrome should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
When to call Home GP for a swollen face in Costa del Sol
If face swelling continues for more than a few days, or if it happens in conjunction with other symptoms such as discomfort, redness, or itching, call our home GP for a swollen face in Costa del Sol.
Immediately call our home GP for a swollen face in Costa del Sol or seek medical attention if a person exhibits indications of anaphylaxis, or if they come into touch with an allergy or poisonous bug that has been previously identified.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic response that may occur suddenly. If the individual has an epinephrine auto injector and is unable to give it themselves, administer it to them according to the instructions on the container.
If a person exhibits signs of SVC syndrome, they should call our home GP for a swollen face in Costa del Sol right away. If the individual has been diagnosed with cancer, it is very important to be aware of these symptoms.