Waking up one day with a swollen face is not pleasant at all (especially if you have to go to work or to fulfill some commitment). But, in addition, and much more important than appearance, it can be worrying. Undoubtedly, when you see yourself in front of the mirror, some questions will appear, such as what happened? why does the face swell? and how do I deflate it?
The reasons that respond to why does the face swell suddenly there are many, but whenever this happens you have to pay special attention to each symptom that appears during this disconcerting moment. In some cases it may happen that with some homemade tricks it deflates, but other times it can be a symptom of allergy or disease and you have to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Puffy face: causes
Analyzing the real cause of why the face is swollen can be complicated. In general, the first thing that is related to is allergies. However, it will always depend on the person and their history.
If a part of your face suddenly swells, such as an eye or lip, the first thing you should do is ask yourself if you consumed differently than usual. And not just food. Many times, medications also cause reactions like these. If you are taking a new medicine, ideally you should read the package insert and check possible contraindications to rule out or confirm swelling from this cause.
PUFFY FACE: MOST FREQUENT CAUSES
The answers to why the face swells are never exact. That is, in each person it may be for something different, according to their clinical history and their current context.
However, the most frequent causes for which the face swells in most patients are:
have sinusitis
Have an infection in the face area.
Because of conjunctivitis.
For thyroid problems.
After sleeping for many hours, especially face down.
Due to lack of sleep.
Product of an insect bite in the head or neck area.
During a migraine or migraine attack.
Product of dental surgery.
During pregnancy due to fluid accumulation. The face and other parts of the body, such as the legs and arms, can swell.
The first postpartum days.
In people who have cancer, after treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
As a reaction to a blood transfusion.
PUFFY FACE: CAUSES AND OTHER SYMPTOMS
Not all sudden swellings are equally serious. Sometimes, they are accompanied by other symptoms that also allow other possible causes to be established. In any case, although it is always recommended to consult a health professional, there are some symptoms that may be indicators that something more serious may be happening. Therefore, if the swollen face is accompanied by the following problems or ailments, be sure to consult a doctor as soon as possible:
- Facial swelling is intense and causes you pain.
- If after a while it does not go away or gets worse.
- You feel short of breath.
- You have a fever, tenderness or redness on the face or in the swollen area. In this case, it is probably an infection and it must be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.
WHY DOES THE FACE SWELL: what can you do at home
Puffy face: causes and help with hydration
Sometimes one of the reasons is dehydration. For this reason, you should never forget to drink enough water, especially if you are noticing it swollen. Exercising can also be very important and useful to help deflate the face.
Apply ice on the swollen part
A good idea to treat the swelling of the face when it occurs for simple reasons, for example an insect bite that does not look serious, is to place cold cloths on the face. For this, it is only necessary to cover some ice with a cloth, and place it on the face. Then, leave to act for a few minutes and repeat as many times as necessary. Also, applying ice can help if the swollen face hurts, itches, or burns.
taking diuretic medications
This is a very effective treatment. However, it is 100% essential that it be a doctor who indicates which medication may be more effective or useful for each person.
This type of medication stimulates the kidneys to increase blood filtration, helping the body eliminate more water and sodium through the urine. However, for people with some diseases they may be contraindicated. That is why it is important to consult with a health professional.
Why the face swells and how to cure it with massage
Curing puffy face with massage can be one of the best experiences when the swelling is mild but widespread.
First you need to lubricate the face with moisturizer. If you don’t have one at home, you can also use olive oil.
Gently massage with your fingers. Start from the forehead and gradually work your way down to the eyes, cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Repeat 20 times.
Lymphatic drainage on the face
Although it is not done at home, it is something that can be done with little investment of time and money. Lymphatic drainage is a kind of massage that serves to eliminate excess fluids that accumulate in the face.
The number of sessions varies from one person to another, according to the condition and the causes that caused the facial swelling. They generally range from 1 to 5 sessions per week.
Why does the face and eyes swell?
If you have ever wondered why your face and eyes swell, you should know that you have probably had a case of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs when a person experiences an allergic reaction from contact with different allergens such as dust, mold spores, pet dander, or pollen.
Thus, the skin around the eyes may appear swollen and inflamed, and other symptoms that also appear are pain in the area, burning and throbbing in the eye. Sometimes, there is also an excess of lagañas.
Therefore, when noticing the condition in the mirror, it is normal to wonder what is happening, or why the face and eyes are swollen for no apparent reason. Be sure to see your doctor to rule out a more serious problem or infection.
Swelling in other parts of the body
Not only the face can suddenly swell. It may also be that you notice swollen glands throughout the body or in a particular area (neck, groin, armpits), or that you wake up with a completely swollen arm or leg.
In that case, the inflammation may be related to an infection that can range from mild (such as a flu-like state) to very serious (such as an infection that spreads throughout the body) and you need to immediately rule out the latter by a doctor.
When what is inflamed is a leg or an arm, medical attention must be urgent since the circulatory system or the lymphatic system may be compromised.
Important: It should be clarified that The Bioguide does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying any information on this site for this purpose, La Bioguía does not assume responsibility for these acts. The site is intended only to provide information of a general nature to aid in the pursuit of personal growth and development.