Facial Swelling

Facial swelling refers to enlargement of any area of the face. The face includes the eyes, nose, mouth, forehead, cheeks and chin.

What is going on in the body?

Swelling in the face can occur for many reasons. It can be mild or severe, and involve any area of the face. Most causes of facial swelling are not life threatening, but a few are serious.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many possible causes of facial swelling. Common causes include:

Other causes are also possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

When a person complains of swelling in his or her face, the healthcare provider will ask questions about the swelling, such as:

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of facial swelliing begins with the history and physical exam, and further tests may be ordered. For instance, a blood test called an antibody titer may be ordered if an autoimmune condition is suspected. This test measures the level of certain proteins made by the immune system, called antibodies, in the blood. If a salivary gland tumor is suspected, an imaging test such as a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to look at the gland.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Most cases cannot be prevented. A vaccine for mumps is given routinely to all children and can help prevent cases of swelling from mumps. Skin cancer prevention techniques such as avoid prolonged sun exposure or using sunscreen can help prevent cases due to sunburn or skin cancer.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects of facial swelliing are primarily related to the cause. A minor injury may heal quickly and cause no long-term effects. A severe injury may lead to permanent deformity of the face. Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylactic shock, can lead to death in some cases. Autoimmune disorders often affect many different areas of the body.

What are the risks to others?

Facial swelling is not contagious and usually poses no risk to others. Inherited conditions may be passed on to one's children in some cases.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment of facial swelling is directed at its cause. Those with minor injuries may only need to keep the area clean and allow healing to occur. Those with major injuries may need sutures or surgery. Those with allergic reactions may need to be given medications, such as epinephrine.

A person with an autoimmune disorder is often given medications to suppress the immune system, such as prednisone. Infections are often treated with antibiotics. Those with a tumor or cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have possible side effects. For instance, antibiotics can cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Prednisone can cause mood swings, weight gain, and weak bones. Any surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Those with an injury often heal and need no further treatment or monitoring. Those with an allergic reaction are advised to avoid the medication or substance that caused the reaction. Those with a tumor or cancer may need regular monitoring for years after treatment to make sure the cancer doesn't come back.

How is the condition monitored?

Those with anaphylactic shock may need close monitoring in the intensive care unit for a few days. Those with autoimmune disorders may need repeat blood tests and monitoring for side effects from the medications used to suppress the immune system. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Smith, Elizabeth, BA
Edit Date:09/18/00
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:07/02/01

Sources