What Causes Lips to Swell? Having swollen lips is not a pleasant experience, but there are a few ways to treat this condition. Most of the time, lip swelling is a temporary condition that goes away on its own. However, if the swelling persists, you should see a doctor. A doctor can treat the condition and help you to determine the cause.
One of the most common causes of lip swelling is allergies. Allergies can occur to food, medication, and environmental substances. Most allergy reactions are mild and go away with an over-the-counter antihistamine. However, severe allergies may require allergy shots or other forms of treatment. A doctor can perform a skin test or blood test to find out the cause of your allergy.
Another cause of swollen lips is an inflammatory condition. A bacterial or viral infection is another common cause. Lips can also swell from hereditary angioedema, a condition that causes swelling in the skin and muscle tissue. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and trouble breathing. Some people who have angioedema may need to take corticosteroids to control their symptoms.
Some other causes of lip swelling are injuries, infections, and certain drugs. Lips can also swell due to a blood transfusion reaction. Regardless of the cause, swollen lips can interfere with your daily life. You may also experience pain and discomfort when eating, speaking, or chewing. Some medications, such as ibuprofen, may help to reduce the swelling.
Lips can also swell after an insect bite. These are usually harmless, but a bug’s sting can release chemicals that cause an inflammatory reaction in your body. The body naturally responds to these chemicals by producing histamine. The histamine causes swelling. It can also cause itchiness.
In extreme cases, lips can swell up to three inches and turn blue. Other symptoms include a tight throat and hives. These symptoms may indicate that you have anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening. An allergic reaction can happen as quickly as seconds after you are exposed to an allergen. If you suspect that you have anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can administer epinephrine, a medication that can help you to breathe. You should also carry epinephrine in a single-use syringe.
Angioedema can occur in any part of the body, but it most often occurs in the lips. Angioedema can be treated by taking antihistamines. Other medications that can be prescribed are corticosteroids, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
You can also use apple cider vinegar to treat swollen lips. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and then apply it to the affected area. Then, rinse it off with cold water. You can also apply a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar to the area and leave it there for a few minutes. If the lip swells up again, repeat the treatment until the swelling goes down.
If you experience extreme lip swelling, see a doctor as soon as possible. The underlying condition may be life-threatening and should be treated promptly.