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How to reduce the swelling of the face

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The swelling of the face, also known as edema or facial swelling, frequently occurs due to various causes ranging from infections, injury to the front, and allergic reactions.

The face is the letter of introduction of people; therefore, the changes that occur in it affect self-esteem and security. Likewise, this alteration can also be the warning of some diseases. If you want to learn more about c ow reduce swelling of the face, keep reading this article FastlyHeal.

Why does the face swell – causes

The causes that give rise to swelling of the face are multiple and, among them, we can find:

Swollen face from an allergic reaction

  • Allergic rhinitis: triggered by an allergic reaction resulting from contact with certain substances or elements capable of causing this reaction. At this point, it is necessary to mention: dust, animal dander, and pollen. This causes inflammation of the sinuses and the face area where they are located.
  • Drug reaction: the intake of some medications can cause the appearance of inflammation in the face caused by an allergic reaction.
  • Insect bite: the bite of an insect in allergy sufferers can generate a reaction at the edge site. If it is on the face, and edema of the affected area is present immediately.
  • Angioedemaedema that occurs at the level of the skin, mucosa, and submucosal tissues; it can be caused by an allergic reaction or secondary to the intake of some medications, such as non-steroidal or hypotensive anti-inflammatory drugs, such as enalapril. This swelling occurs in the region of the face, tongue, eyelids, and mucosa of the mouth and can last a few hours.

Swelling of the face from infections

  • Facial cellulitis: it is infectious cellulitis caused by bacteria known as streptococcus and staphylococcus that affect the skin and muscles of the face. Its characteristic symptom is swelling of the face, as well as pain, general malaise, and even fever.
  • Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the ocular conjunctiva; it can be caused by an infectious viral, bacterial or allergic process. It tends to cause swelling of the eyelids and face.
  • Styes: it is an increase in volume that appears reddish on the edge of the eyelids due to a bacterial infection or the Meibomian gland, which causes blockage of the sebaceous glands and the characteristic edema of the eyelid, which can affect the face.
  • Sinusitis: it is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses which occurs due to infection, allergy, or the common cold. Among its symptoms are nasal congestion, headache, and swelling of the face, especially in the nasal and frontal areas.
  • Tooth abscess: it is caused by an infection of bacterial origin in a tooth, where the accumulation of bacteria can give rise to the presence of pus. Usually, it is caused by the presence of cavities or trauma.

Diseases that cause swelling in the face

Some diseases can also cause inflammation of the face:

  • Hypothyroidism: it is produced by alteration of the thyroid gland, causing the lack of control of the metabolism and thus triggering a series of symptoms, among which is the swelling of the face.
  • Nephrotic syndrome: it is an alteration that occurs when the renal glomeruli that are part of the kidneys stop working correctly, which results in an increase in the passage of proteins to the kidneys. This disease can trigger the presence of several symptoms, among which is edema or swelling of the face, especially around the eyes.
  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease produced after the infection of some strains of the bacteria known as streptococcus. It manifests in the throat area or on the skin; it does not originate in the kidneys despite kidney disease. This infection causes the small blood vessels located in the glomeruli to become inflamed, which will reduce the ability to filter urine. One of the symptoms that characterize this disease is the presence of swelling or edema in the face, eyes, and other parts of the body.
  • Superior vena cava syndrome: a series of symptoms that occur due to compression or obstruction of the superior vena cava. This vein is the main one in the body; it is responsible for transporting blood from the head, neck, upper part of the thorax, and arms to the heart. The leading cause of this obstruction is cancer, that is, the presence of tumors that compress the vein and prevent the free flow of blood. The symptom that characterizes this alteration is swelling in the face, neck, and upper part of the upper limbs.

Other possible causes of swelling of the face

  • Facial surgery: especially surgical interventions on the nose, eyelids, jaw, and some cosmetic procedures can give rise to the presence of generalized facial edema.
  • Trauma: blows are one of the most frequent causes of the appearance of swelling on the face; this becomes evident after wounds, crashes, and burns.
  • Obesity: weight gain leads to an accumulation of fat in the body, which reaches the front. People who suffer from obesity have the peculiarity of suffering fluid retention and, consequently, edema in the face.
  • In cases of blood transfusions, hemolysis may occur. This occurs when the immune system rejects the red blood cells contained in the blood transfusion. It occurs in cases where the patient is not compatible with the blood group received. Symptoms after this reaction include redness and swollen face, dizziness, back pain, and fever.
  • Fluid accumulation: fluid retention is due to high sodium consumption, which causes the kidneys to stop filtering or purifying the body. In this way, fluids and toxins are stored, causing swelling of the face.

Symptoms accompanying swelling of the face

The symptoms that accompany the swelling of the face depend on the cause that is giving rise to this alteration; some of them may be:

  • Itch.
  • Hives or rash
  • Watery eyes
  • Stuffy and runny nose
  • Dizziness
  • Soft spot.
  • Upset stomach accompanied by diarrhea.
  • Chest discomfort.

How to reduce the swelling of the face – treatments

If this is your case and you have a swollen face, you should consult with your doctor; he will be in charge through the consultation and the physical examination to obtain the data he requires to make the precise diagnosis and initiate the appropriate treatment for the cause and symptoms. What do you present:

  • If it is an infectious process in the nose, mouth, or eyes, treatment with antibiotics should be started.
  • If it is the product of an abscess or dental phlegmon, the doctor will proceed to drain it through an incision and make the corresponding cure. Next, he will indicate antibiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatories to alleviate the symptoms. The following article shows some home remedies to treat dental phlegmon.
  • When it is the product of an allergic reaction, and in addition to the edema, there is a rash, we will proceed to the prescription of antihistamines or anti-inflammatories to eliminate inflammation, as well as skin lesions.
  • If the swelling results from the ingestion of a drug, its intake should be stopped immediately. As the case may be, an antihistamine will be indicated to reverse the patient’s symptoms.
  • When starting treatment for facial swelling due to rhinitis, avoid contact with the allergen, create nasal washes based on saltwater, and the application of nasal decongestants as well as antihistamines.
  • In cases of facial cellulitis or a dental abscess product of an infection, treatment is started with an antibiotic for a minimum of 10 to 14 days, depending on the bacteria that causes the infectious picture, in addition to anti-inflammatories and analgesics to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • If it is post-blood edema, the patient’s symptoms should be treated. Initially, treatment with antihistamines should be started.

Tips to reduce puffiness of the face

To reduce the swelling of the face, in addition to starting medical treatment, some recommendations should be implemented to reduce the risks of suffering this alteration:

  • Reduce your salt intake. With this, fluid retention and, consequently, swelling of the face is avoided.
  • Apply cold compresses or ice to the area of ​​the face to alleviate the symptoms of swelling.
  • Use a cucumber mask; this vegetable has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation of the face. To prepare the show, ½ cucumber is liquefied, refrigerated for a couple of hours, then applied to the front, and left to act for about 20 minutes. Finally, it is removed with plenty of water.
  • Consume herbal teas such as thyme, oregano, and green nettle. These herbs have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, so they help reduce puffiness on the face. The preparation consists of placing these three herbs in a pot with ½ liter of water and boiling for approximately 5 minutes, letting it rest, and ingesting a cup daily.

It is advisable to follow these recommendations hand in hand with medical advice and to depend on the cause that gives rise to this alteration. Do not hesitate to go to your doctor; he will be in charge of making the precise diagnosis and, in this way, initiating the appropriate treatment for the symptoms you present.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to reduce facial swelling , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .

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