Facial swelling

Alternative Names

Home Care

Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling from an injury. Raise the head of the bed (or use extra pillows) to help reduce facial swelling.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

You should call your health care provider if you have:

• Sudden, painful, or severe facial swelling
• Facial swelling that lasts a while, particularly if it is getting worse over time
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever, tenderness, or redness, which suggests infection

If facial swelling is caused by burns, or respiratory distress is present, emergency measures must be taken first. Then the medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting facial swelling in detail may include the following:

• How long has the facial swelling lasted?
• When did it begin?
• What makes it worse?
• What makes it better?
• What is your height and weight?
• How is your diet?
• Has there been exposure to something to which the person may be allergic (an antigen)?
• What medication are you taking?
• Have you had recent facial injury?
• Have you had a recent test or surgical procedure?
• What other symptoms are also present? Especially, is there:
  • Facial pain
  • Sneezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hives or rash
  • Eye redness
  • Fever