Head
Facial swelling
Swelling of part or all of the face — which can come from an allergic reaction, infection or sinus problem, and which, when it involves the lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing, is a life-threatening allergic emergency.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of facial swelling and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is facial swelling?
Swelling of the face has a wide range of causes, and the speed of onset and the parts involved point to how urgent it is. The most dangerous cause is a severe allergic reaction, in which rapid swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat can block the airway; when this comes with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight throat, wheeze or feeling faint, it is anaphylaxis and a medical emergency.
- Get urgent help: Call 999 for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight throat, wheeze or feeling faint — this is anaphylaxis. Call 999 if facial swelling comes on rapidly after a food, medicine or insect sting with a widespread rash, hives or collapse.
- Self-care: Facial swelling that a clinician has confirmed is mild and non-urgent — for instance a little puffiness from a sinus flare or fluid retention — can often be eased with simple measures while it settles: resting with the head slightly raised, applying a cool compress to a tender area, and treating any underlying sinus congestion with steam inhalation.
About facial swelling
Swelling of the face has a wide range of causes, and the speed of onset and the parts involved point to how urgent it is. The most dangerous cause is a severe allergic reaction, in which rapid swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat can block the airway; when this comes with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight throat, wheeze or feeling faint, it is anaphylaxis and a medical emergency. Allergic swelling, known as angioedema, can also be triggered by certain medicines or foods. Infections are another important cause: a tooth or sinus infection can cause swelling on one side of the face, and spreading redness and swelling of the skin, especially near the eye, can be a serious skin infection that needs urgent treatment. Less alarming swelling can come from sinus inflammation or fluid retention. New, rapid or one-sided facial swelling, particularly with pain, redness or fever, should always be assessed promptly.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if facial swelling comes with any of these warning signs:
- Call 999 for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight throat, wheeze or feeling faint — this is anaphylaxis.
- Call 999 if facial swelling comes on rapidly after a food, medicine or insect sting with a widespread rash, hives or collapse.
- Seek urgent same-day help for hot, red, spreading facial swelling, especially around the eye, which can be a serious infection.
- Seek urgent help for facial swelling with severe eye pain, change in vision or inability to move the eye.
- Seek urgent help for facial swelling with a high fever and feeling very unwell.
When to see a doctor
Treat swelling of the lips, tongue or throat with any difficulty breathing or swallowing as anaphylaxis and call 999 immediately; if an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed for known allergy, it should be used as directed while waiting for help. Seek urgent same-day care for hot, red, spreading facial swelling, particularly near the eye, or for swelling with severe eye pain or vision change. For mild, gradual swelling from a sinus flare or minor cause without these features, book a routine appointment so the cause can be confirmed.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of facial swelling
Facial swelling has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
Facial swelling that a clinician has confirmed is mild and non-urgent — for instance a little puffiness from a sinus flare or fluid retention — can often be eased with simple measures while it settles: resting with the head slightly raised, applying a cool compress to a tender area, and treating any underlying sinus congestion with steam inhalation. If the swelling came on after a new food, medicine or sting, note what may have triggered it, as this is important information for your clinician and for avoiding future reactions. Never wait and watch facial swelling that is spreading rapidly, involves the lips, tongue or throat, or comes with any difficulty breathing or swallowing — this needs emergency help immediately rather than self-care.
Answers
Facial swelling: frequently asked questions
When is facial swelling an emergency?
Call 999 immediately if swelling involves the lips, tongue or throat and comes with difficulty breathing or swallowing, a tight throat, wheeze or feeling faint. This is anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that is life-threatening.
Can a tooth or sinus infection cause facial swelling?
Yes. A dental infection or inflamed sinuses can cause swelling and tenderness on one side of the face. Swelling with severe pain, fever or spreading redness, especially near the eye, needs urgent assessment.
My face swelled up after a new medicine — what should I do?
Facial swelling after starting a new medicine may be an allergic reaction. If there is any difficulty breathing or swallowing or throat tightness, call 999. Otherwise seek urgent advice, note the medicine, and do not take further doses until advised.
Why is spreading redness around the eye taken so seriously?
Hot, red, spreading swelling around the eye can be a serious skin and tissue infection that can threaten sight and spread quickly. It needs urgent same-day assessment rather than waiting to see if it settles.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Angioedema and anaphylaxis.
- Allergy UK: anaphylaxis.
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