Certain signs should alert you: sudden, painful, asymmetrical swelling, or swelling associated with difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency consultation.
A swollen face can appear overnight or develop gradually. This phenomenon, called facial edema, corresponds to an accumulation of fluid in the tissues or to inflammation. Most often benign, it can also reveal a more serious health problem depending on the associated symptoms.
The causes of a swollen face
Several causes can explain this swelling. The best known is the allergic reactionsometimes severe like Quincke’s edema, which causes rapid swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. “Angioedema is a medical emergency characterized by rapid swelling of the tissues of the head and neck (lips, tongue and throat). It often results from a food or drug allergy or following a wasp sting.” tells us Dr Cyril Bègue, general practitioner and deputy secretary general of the College of General Medicine.
Other causes are common, such as water retention, favored by an excessively salty diet or a lack of sleep, or even weight gain, which can give a more “puffy” face. Certain local infections can also be involved, such as dental abscess, sinusitis or obstruction of the salivary glands.
More general illnesses should also be considered. A hypothyroidism can lead to facial swelling associated with fatigue and weight gain. “Adrenal gland dysfunction may also be a cause. It generally results in symptoms of hormonal excess (acne, excessive hair growth) or hormonal deficiency (dehydration, drop in blood pressure).“, specifies the general practitioner. heart or kidney failure can cause a buildup of fluid in the body, often most visible on the face in the morning. The heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the needs of other organs in the body. The water settles in the lower limbs and can rise and cause edema in the face. Hormonal disorders (pregnancy, periods, menopause) can also play a role.
Some drugs can finally be responsible for a swollen face, in particular treatments against hypertension, corticosteroids (prednisone for example), anti-inflammatories or even certain proton pump inhibitors such as Inexium®.
Rarer, a cervico-facial cellulitis can make the face swell, “it is a polymicrobial infection of celluloadipose tissue which is life-threatening. The germs involved are often staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus. The starting point is often a dental infection: if it is red and swollen, it is essential to consult quickly. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics.”remarks our interlocutor.
When to consult?
In the majority of cases, facial swelling is not serious. But certain signs should alert you: sudden, painful, asymmetrical swelling, or swelling associated with difficulty breathing or swallowing requires emergency consultation. “Conversely, sudden swelling of the face, associated with pain, requires a consultation within 24 to 48 hours. In the event of swelling in the upper airways, emergency consultation is necessary.“, warns the general practitioner.
Thanks to Dr Cyril Bègue, general practitioner, lecturer in Angers and deputy secretary general of the College of General Medicine.
