Medical Health Encyclopedia

Facial swelling

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Edema, central on the face

Overview Treatment

Facial swelling

Definition:

Facial swelling involves an accumulation of fluid in the face, which may extend to the neck and upper arms.

Alternative Names:
Puffy face; Swelling of the face; Moon face; Facial edema

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Considerations:

If the facial swelling is mild, it may be hard to detect. To assist the health care provider in diagnosing the cause, it is important to note the following:

• Whether there is pain
• The duration of the swelling
• What makes it better or worse
• Any other symptoms that accompany the swelling

Common Causes:

• Obesity
• Allergic reaction (such as allergic rhinitis, hay fever, or a bee sting)
• Conjunctivitis with swelling around the eye(s)
• Stye with swelling around the infected eye
• Malnutrition (when severe)
• Sinusitis
• Facial trauma or injury (such as burns)
• Drugs including prolonged use or allergic reaction to aspirin, antipyretics, penicillin, sulfa, glucocorticoids, or other drugs
• Blood transfusion reaction
• Head, nose, or jaw surgery
• Angioedema from any cause including reaction to contrast media from radiologic tests
• Cellulitis
• Tooth abscess

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