For example, swelling of the lips, face or eyelids in many cases is due to an allergic trigger. When we got home I was in so much pain, so I looked this up. This inflammation may cause swollen lips. * To learn . People should see a doctor immediately if they develop angioedema. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The next step is to visit your allergist for a complete medical evaluation to determine the cause. The swelling usually starts as soon as you eat something youre allergic to. Angioedema can be a reaction to a drug or other substance (trigger), a hereditary disorder, a rare complication of cancer, or an immune disorder, but sometimes the cause is not known. In a pinch, just dab your lips with coconut oil or aloe vera gel. Published February 27, 2018. Some people may be more likely to have anaphylactic reactions, such as those with existing allergies, asthma, or a family history of anaphylaxis. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Hives usually begin with itching. The herpes simplex virus cannot be cured, but cold sores can be managed under medical supervision to ease discomfort and help prevent transmission or complications. Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Swelling caused by use of an ace inhibitor. Brushing your teeth will decrease the risk of infection by killing off the bacteria. You can also apply heat to reduce swelling. Doctors choose a pain reliever based on the type and duration of pain and on the drug's likely benefits and risks. Granulomatous cheilitis is a condition that causes persistent swelling of the lips. Minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the lips can result in them becoming swollen. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If the cause is an ACE inhibitor, symptoms usually resolve about 24 to 48 hours after stopping the drug. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Mayo Clinic Staff. Read below for more causes and how to treat swollen lips. Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions. Serious allergic reactions can be in the form an acute allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. Martinez ML, et al. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. At-home allergy tests are a convenient starting place if youre experiencing allergy symptoms. Allergic, A honey bee sting usually just causes temporary pain. The location of the swelling should help your doctor determine if the cause of your angioedema is allergic or due to another medical condition. Does your throat feel itchy or irritated? Soak in a soothing cool bath. Updated November 27, 2017. Non-allergic causes of swelling can be infectious and require antibiotics or autoimmune medications, such as in inflammatory arthritis. When a person has an allergic reaction, certain cells in the body produce and release a chemical called histamine. We include products we think are useful for our readers. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Usually, allergies cause sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, a read more .). This article will explain why a person may get a swollen upper lip and the different treatment options that are available. U.S. National Library of Medicine: Genetics Home Reference. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause swollen lips. The AAAAI list five groups of symptoms of anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment. A cold sore, also called a fever blister or herpes, is actually a collection of tiny, fluid-filled, crusted blisters. We include products we think are useful for our readers. ", http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000846.htm, https://acaai.org/allergies/types/insect-sting-allergy, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000606.htm, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-eclampsia/symptoms/, https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/symptoms-of-oral-and-dental-disorders/mouth-sores-and-inflammation, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=p00918, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/edema-swelling-beyond-the-basics, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-do-you-take-care-of-a-busted-lip/, https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abr4267, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-tea-tree-oil/art-20364246. Soak the affected area in cool water for 20 minutes. The release of histamine can lead to classic allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy skin, and inflammation. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia, How to get rid of an allergic reaction on the face, swollen lymph nodes (mild swelling occurs in, fissured or plicated tongue (the tongue becomes split, cracked, or folded in 2040% of cases), facial palsy (weakness in the facial muscles can come and go or be permanent). Lips can dry out in cold air and crack, causing fissures or bleeding, and this can cause burning when the lips are exposed to further cold air or when the lips are moved to speak or eat. It may also follow exposure of lips to intense sun or a nutrient deficiency. If you experience seasonal allergies, these essential, Sometimes your immune system will identify a substance as harmful, even though it isn't. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. This condition can occur in a person by the age of 5. You probably have an infection or another serious condition. Angioedema may involve swelling in the face, throat, digestive tract, and airways. Food allergies are a common cause of swollen lips. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both conditions can usually be treated with prescription medication, although in some cases surgical reduction may be required. Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) causes minor reactions to some raw fruits and vegetables. We also look at treatments and when to see a doctor. Have you been diagnosed with severe allergies? The lips can become cracked and bleed as a result. She applied the hair color on Friday and by Sunday her eyelids were swollen so badly she could hardly see! Histamines job is to protect the body, but in doing so, it causes swelling and often itching as part of an inflammatory response. They work by reducing the impact of histamine in your body, which relieves your allergy. Common allergies include saliva, certain foods, cold dry air, toothpaste, mouthwash, mango, cinnamon, citrus, makeup products, sunscreens, and lip balms. A quick-acting allergy medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can help reduce swelling and itching after an insect bite or sting. References When you encounter something youre allergic to, your body produces a chemical called histamine. The other main cause of angioedema can be medications themselves. Treatments for Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome include corticosteroid injections, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. So if Benadryl isnt a good treatment for allergic swelling, what is? "Mild" cases can still last several days. [8] Antihistamines can reduce the swelling, redness, and itchiness of rashes and hives on the face. Allergic reactions can be dangerous and therefore you should be brought to the nearest Emergency Room for evaluation and treatment. Learn more about the causes and treatment options, Swollen lips can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, a sign of injury, or a side effect of a medication. Take a nonprescription pain reliever as needed. If angioedema recurs and the cause is not clear, doctors ask people about all the drugs they are taking and all food and drink they are consuming. The treatment options for a swollen upper lip will depend on the cause of the swelling. There is no specific . Use OR to account for alternate terms However, they can also stem from an infection, Crohns disease, and other underlying causes. The sections below will look at some potential causes of a swollen upper lip in more detail. This reaction can be dangerous and, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), even fatal. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Make sure your close friends, coworkers, and family members know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and use epinephrine. Pain is treated with NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Work with your healthcare provider to figure out the underlying cause so you can treat it or avoid it in the future. The content available on buoy.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar. The causes of lip swelling can be divided into the following categories: Lip swelling may be due to inflammatory causes such as the following. Dry Skin. A person can be allergic to any type of food or substance. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. If the reaction was caused by an insect bite, seek emergency services immediately. A contact allergy, which only affects the part of the mouth that the allergen has touched, can cause OAS. However, it does make you more prone to bacterial infections. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. headache. The treatment for OAS is similar to the treatment for pollen allergies. Find. Try to keep your mouth clean, especially if there is an open wound inside the mouth (of course, it's healthy to do this even without a swollen lip). The condition can occur due to autoimmune disease; any surgery or radiation treatment to the thyroid gland; some medications; pregnancy; or consuming too much or too little iodine. Take an anti-itch medicine (antihistamine) by mouth to reduce itching. Replace some of your diet with healthy smoothies and protein shakes, through a straw. This photo shows swelling of the lips in a person with hereditary angioedema. Angioedema. The blisters usually heal within two to four weeks, but the virus remains dormant within the body and can recur at any time. In rare cases, these drugs can cause an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The cause of angioedema is often obvious, and tests are seldom needed because the reactions usually resolve and do not recur. Most susceptible are young adults who are sexually active, though anyone can be infected. Skin Cancer Foundation. It is essential for people with swollen lips to identify their specific symptoms and potential causes so that they can receive appropriate treatment. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Top Symptoms: shortness of breath, swollen face, trouble swallowing, swollen lips, swollen tongue, Symptoms that never occur with swelling caused by use of an ace inhibitor: hives, red swollen bumps or patches with a pale center. Nonallergic and hereditary angioedema usually respond well to corticosteroids. There are a range of causes for swollen lips with different symptoms, including skin conditions and severe allergic reactions. Take an antihistamine Histamine is a chemical in your body that causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell. This person has a swollen tongue due to angioedema. Cheilitis granulomatous, sometimes called Miescher cheilitis, is another possible cause of swollen lips. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, its most common in men. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/anaphylaxis, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/412/cheilitis-glandularis, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02836, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm, https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergy, https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/hives-angioedema, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Angioedema/, https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-food-allergies, New clues to slow aging? Corticosteroids Corticosteroids: Uses and Side Effects , taken by mouth, are prescribed for severe symptoms when other treatments are ineffective, and they are given for as short a time as possible. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. There are several types of allergies, and all of them can cause your lips to swell. In addition, taking certain medication like ACE inhibitors, an injury to the face, or angioedema can cause puffy lips. Anyone with swollen lips should see a doctor if they are experiencing severe symptoms, such as those associated with anaphylaxis. For mild angioedema with hives, taking antihistamines partially relieves the itching and reduces the swelling. A new study suggests that smartphones are hosts for allergens like pet dander and fungus. If you desire relief from your allergies, we can help. Cancer. Doctors must then open the person's airway by doing one or both of the following: Injecting epinephrine under the skin or into a muscle (to reduce the swelling), Inserting a breathing tube through the persons mouth or nose and into the windpipe (intubation). Angioedema is edema of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Angioedema is a short-term condition that causes swelling deep under your skin. There are rare hereditary or acquired forms of angioedema Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema Hereditary angioedema (a genetic disorder) and acquired angioedema (acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency) are caused by a deficiency or malfunction of C1 inhibitor, which is part of the immune system read more . Learn how we can help 4.8k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Alan Jackson agrees Dr. Andrew Murphy answered Allergy and Immunology 31 years experience Angioedema. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can also help you deal with pain and swelling. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. Reddish brown scars will form on the lips after the cracks have healed, and over time, the lips will resemble the texture and consistency of hard rubber. Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and avoid further cracking or swelling. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Antihistamines help block this chemical and reduce swelling. The short term use of oral cortisone can quickly reverse the deep swelling and make you look normal again. Normally the walls of blood vessels form a tight barrier that keeps fluid from escaping; however, in cases of irritation or trauma to the lips, these vessels let more fluid through the walls into the neighboring tissues, thus causing swelling. Leave blisters alone. A lip rash can be an uncomfortable condition associated with redness around the mouth or small blisters on the lip. Cheilitis glandularis is an inflammatory condition that only affects the lips. "I got stitches last night. If you experience swollen lips after eating a meal, keep a food diary and note any allergy symptoms you have. If the cause of angioedema is obvious, people should avoid it if possible. Allergic reactions, angioedema, and injuries are among the possible causes. Study Suggests It's Covered in Allergens. Don't take the piercing in and out unnecessarily. One spot may remain for several hours, then disappear, and later, another may appear elsewhere. Nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea. Along with swelling, granulomatous cheilitis can present some additional symptoms, including: Cheilitis glandularis is a rare inflammatory condition that causes the lips to swell. Visit a doctor if the swelling hasn't disappeared by then. Hives and angioedema. When anaphylaxis is severe, a person can have anaphylactic shock. It is likely that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to a food or a substance that has been applied to your lips.