Facial Swelling

What is Facial Swelling?

Facial swelling is a symptom that results due to several diseases and conditions. The face appears puffy and swollen. It may be acute as an allergic reaction to an insect bite, or chronic due to kidney disease like glomerulonephritis.

What are the main associated signs and symptoms?

Some of the common signs and symptoms of facial swelling are:

• Consistent itch
• Constant tightness on the face
• Redness with swelling
• Difficulty in opening and closing of eyes

What are the main causes?

Some of the common causes of facial swelling include:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Preeclampsia, during which pregnant women complain of high blood pressure and protein levels
• Cellulitis wherein bacteria or fungi enter the body through cracks and cuts in the skin
• Allergic response to certain drugs or medications
• Hives
• Food allergies
• Broken nose, wherein the bone or cartilage of the nose is broken, often leads to swelling on the face
• Eyelid stye
• Malnutrition causing protein deficiency
• Kidney disease causing loss of protein
• After effects of a surgery
• Hypothyroidism

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Facial swelling is easy to detect. However, it is even more important to determine the cause, which necessitates a visit to the doctor.

For an effective diagnosis, the doctor will physically examine. In most cases, it is because of an allergen or infection. Depending on the severity of the swelling, the doctor may suggest anti-allergic tests to be done for confirming a possible allergic reaction.

Therefore, the doctor may prescribe anti-allergic medications and ask you to avoid the particular allergen. An effective practice would be to prevent the use of the causative allergen. Including nuts and power foods to your diet can help to boost immunity.

Depending on the cause, antibiotics, diuretics, or a high protein diet too may be advised.

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