Why Is My Lip Swelling? Symptoms of swollen lips include pain and swelling. In some cases, the swelling is caused by an allergic reaction. If you are not sure if your swelling is caused by an allergy, you can check out the article “Swollen Lips: What You Should Know Before Taking Any Treatments.” This article will discuss the causes of lip swelling and some possible treatments.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Lip swelling is often a symptom of an allergic reaction. In the medical literature, this condition is referred to as eczematous cheilitis, and the symptoms of this condition include swelling of the lips. The allergen that triggers the allergic reaction is a protein known as histamine. Histamine causes swelling by leaking fluid into the deep layers of the lips. Some common allergens that trigger allergic swelling include certain food items, penicillin, and even some types of saliva. In addition, people who suffer from hay fever can also develop swollen lips.
A dermatologist can evaluate the condition and refer the patient to different medical specialists if necessary. If the swelling is severe and persists for more than 24 hours, it may indicate a more serious condition such as an allergic reaction. In such cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve swelling and reduce its associated pain. Some patients may need more invasive treatments, such as botulinum toxin (Botox).
Some people are susceptible to angioedema, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. This reaction is triggered by a food item, pollen in the air, or an insect bite. It causes the lips to swell, which makes it difficult to talk and swallow. The swelling can also affect the windpipe, which can cause breathing difficulties.
Common medications that cause swollen lips
Swollen lips can be caused by several reasons, including injuries, allergies, or medications. Identifying the underlying cause is essential to finding an effective treatment. Symptoms of swollen lips often disappear on their own, but severe cases should be treated by a physician.
Swollen lips may also be an indication of rare diseases. Several autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and lupus, can result in swollen lips. Swelling is often accompanied by pain or incessant bleeding. NSAIDs can relieve the pain associated with these conditions.
In cases of allergic reactions, a GP may prescribe an antihistamine to treat the swelling. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, the chemical that causes swelling. Although these drugs are readily available, they can make you drowsy, so it’s important to monitor your mood and take care of yourself while taking them.
In severe cases, you can use epinephrine to treat angioedema and minimize swelling. If you don’t have a serious allergy, you can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat the swelling caused by an injury.