Swelling on One Side of My Face for Five Days
I'm a 30-year-old female with no identified food allergies, and I have a history of asthma, atopic dermatitis, hay fever, transient dermatographism, and lactose intolerance following an episode of acute gastroenteritis. Approximately five days ago, I began to experience a tingling sensation in my lip, which felt unusual, but I didn't think much of it at the time. I had eaten fish for lunch the same day. The following day, I noticed that the left side of both my upper and lower lips had swollen to such an extent that when I attempted to pucker, it appeared lopsided. Additionally, the area surrounding my left nostril and beneath my left eye felt peculiar. This situation alarmed me, but after reviewing my cranial nerves and confirming that I wasn’t experiencing a stroke, I concluded that I was likely dealing with an allergic response. Typically, any allergic reaction I face resolves within 24 to 48 hours. However, it has now reached five days, and the swelling has neither improved nor worsened. Despite taking Benadryl and Allegra for 24 hours, I did not observe any notable improvement. At this stage, I have removed dairy from my diet and cleaned my pillow cases and bed sheets, yet there has been no change in my condition. My concern is growing as this swelling persists.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 9:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with persistent swelling on one side of your face, which has lasted longer than typical for an allergic reaction. This can be understandably concerning, especially given your history of allergies and other conditions.
Main Points:
- Swelling that persists beyond 48 hours after an allergic reaction may require attention.
- Possible causes include allergic reactions, infections, or non-allergic conditions.
- Immediate actions can help manage symptoms and improve your situation.
Explanation:
When you experience facial swelling that lasts longer than usual, it could indicate several things. Since you've ruled out a stroke and your symptoms started after eating fish, it suggests an allergic response might be a possibility. However, given that the swelling has continued for five days despite taking antihistamines like Benadryl and Allegra, it is possible this reaction isn’t solely allergic or could involve another underlying issue.
Conditions that can cause similar symptoms include:
- Infections: Such as cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection, could occur and may require treatment.
- Angioedema: This is swelling in deeper layers of the skin that might not respond quickly to over-the-counter antihistamines.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any changes in the swelling, including size, color, and any accompanying symptoms, such as fever, pain, or additional swelling in other areas.
- Avoid Known Allergens: Continue to stay away from any known triggers, such as specific foods (including fish, if related) and allergens, to rule them out.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the area can help reduce swelling and provide some relief. Do this for 15-20 minutes every few hours as needed.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as this aids overall health and may support your body in dealing with the swelling.
- Medications: If you have any steroids (like prednisone) at home that were prescribed for previous allergic reactions, you might consider using them as per the guidance of your doctor. However, do not start new medications without consulting a healthcare professional first.
If the swelling does not improve over the next couple of days, or if you notice new symptoms such as increased pain, fatigue, or fever, please seek medical advice for a more thorough evaluation. This might include a physical exam and possibly tests to rule out infections or other causes. It's important to ensure your concerns are addressed properly.
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