"Why is my face swollen?", many people who notice a change in their face ask this question. A swollen face is a symptom that can indicate numerous pathologies, from an infection to an allergic reaction. The intake of medications or some foods, as well as simple allergies (to dust, pollen or pets) are usually the most common causes. However, other times we can also find more complex underlying causes, such as hypothyroidism. In this ONsalus article, we will explain the most likely causes of facial swelling.
Reasons for swelling of the face
The face swells when there is accumulated fluid (edema). An allergic reaction, infection, trauma, or underlying disease is often the cause of this swelling. Among the most frequent causes, we can find:
- Allergic reactions (food, medication, mites, pollen…)
- Bad habits (alcohol, stress, poor diet)
- Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
- Other causes
Let's now see how each of these diseases or conditions manifest themselves.
Allergy puffy face
Allergic reactions can be caused by food, animal dander, insect bites, pollen, or medications. The most common causes of allergic reactions are:
- Food (eggs, milk, shellfish, fish, nuts…).
- Animal dander (cats and dogs).
- Insect stings (bees, wasps).
- Medications (aspirin, penicillin and others).
Among the most common allergic pathologies that cause facial swelling, we find rhinitis and angioedema.
Rhinitis
Hay fever or allergic rhinitis occurs when an allergy caused by dust, pollen or animal dander causes inflammation and nasal discomfort. This inflammation can affect the paranasal sinuses, giving rise to a more extensive inflammation that occupies part of the face.
Avoid allergens and nasal washes with water and s alt are highly recommended. Decongestants and antihistamines can help.
Angioedema
It is a more severe allergic reaction, usually caused by taking some medication or food, or by other causes such as insect bites or exposure to the sun. Its symptoms are similar to hives, except that angioedema occurs under the skin. The eyes and mouth appear especially swollen, sometimes even the throat. Sometimes hives and redness occur.
Face swollen from alcohol, stress or excess fat
Bad habits such as alcohol consumption or a poor diet, in addition to daily stress and lack of rest, can also cause the face to swell.
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption causes the body to become dehydrated, so the body tries to compensate by accumulating fluid in some areas, such as the face. The blood vessels also dilate, leading to this retention. A puffy face is often a symptom in people who abuse alcohol.
Stress
Poor quality sleep and lack of rest also produce an accumulation of fluids, especially in the eye area (bags and dark circles).
On the other hand, stress affects the body's inflammatory response, overstimulating vital organs and blood vessels, leading to ongoing inflammation. In the following article, we show useful tips to reduce stress.
Obesity
Obesity is an excess of fat in the body, so this fat also accumulates in the face. Obese people also have greater fluid retention, which also increases facial edema.
Infections that can cause facial swelling
The most common infections associated with facial swelling are sinusitis, cellulitis, and dental abscesses.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is infection and inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. This is due to fungi, viruses or bacteria. Mucus collects in the cavities of the nose and under the eyes, causing pain and congestion. Sinusitis also leads to fever and facial tenderness.
Infective cellulitis
Infectious cellulitis is an infection caused by bacteria such as streptococcus and staphylococcus. It affects the dermis (intermediate layer of the skin) and sometimes even reaches the muscle. Wounds, ulcers, bites, or circulation problems can be a risk. In addition to facial swelling, fever, malaise, fatigue, and pain also occur. The skin feels hot.
After 10 days of antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually disappear, although it can be complicated by other serious illnesses or a weakened immune system.
Tooth abscesses
Dental abscesses are infections caused by bacteria, which accumulate in the center of a tooth in the form of pus. It is usually due to caries or trauma. The greater the swelling (or more extensive), the more severe the infection.
Face swollen due to underlying diseases
Other times, a swollen face is a symptom of other more serious illnesses, the most common being:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism refers to a malfunction of the thyroid gland. In this case, the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough hormones to control metabolism, leading to a number of symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Cold hands and feet
- Dry Skin
- Constipation
- Depression
- Fertility Problems
- Facial swelling
Usually the first symptoms of hypothyroidism are often unnoticed or unrelated, such as tiredness, depression or weight gain. A swollen face, together with jaundice, are the last symptoms to appear, with swollen and droopy eyelids and eyes being very characteristic.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
The vena cava is the main vein in the body and runs through the head, neck, chest, and arms to the heart. In this syndrome, the vena cava appears partially obstructed.
The most common cause is usually bronchogenic cancer. The tumors compress the vein, preventing blood flow from circulating normally. Leukemia and superior vena cava thrombosis may also be the cause. The symptoms are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Facial edema (or swelling)
- Arm edema
Other causes of puffy face
Other possible causes of facial swelling are:
Injuries
Trauma is a very common cause of a swollen face. The blows, wounds and burns cause inflammation. Nose or jaw surgery can also lead to generalized swelling of the entire face.
Keeping your head elevated, cold packs and pain relievers can help reduce discomfort.
Blood transfusion reaction
hemolysis occurs when our immune system rejects red blood cells received from a blood transfusion. The patient's blood group is not compatible with the blood group received. A swollen, flushed face, along with dizziness, fever, and back or side pain are the most common symptoms.
This article is merely informative, at ONsalus.com we do not have the authority to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the event of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
