Facial swelling

Alternative names:

facial edema; moon face; puffy face; swelling of the face

Definition:

An accumulation of fluid in the face, which may extend to the neck and upper arms.

Considerations:

If the facial swelling is mild, it may be hard to detect. To assist the doctor in diagnosing the cause of facial swelling, it is important to note whether or not there is pain, the duration of the swelling, what makes it better or worse, and 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)
• hordeolum (stye) with swelling around the infected eye
• malnutrition (when severe)
• sinusitis
• facial trauma or injury (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

Note: There may be other causes of facial swelling. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for facial swelling, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.