OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Severely Swollen Eyes

6/26/2025, 4:30:23 PMMale25-34

I'm a 36-year-old and have been experiencing some itchiness and dryness in my eyes, which led to frequent rubbing. This morning, I discovered that my eyes are almost completely shut due to swelling. I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to head into work or stay home instead.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/26/2025, 4:30:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing significant swelling and discomfort in your eyes, likely due to itching and dryness. This could be a reaction to allergens, irritants, or even an infection. Given the severity of the swelling and its impact on your ability to function, it’s best to prioritize your health.

Explanation:

Swollen eyes can be caused by various factors such as allergies, inflammation, or infections. Rubbing your eyes, especially when irritated, can exacerbate the problem. The fact that your eyes are almost completely shut means that you may need to restrict activities (like going to work) until your symptoms improve.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Home: Given the severity of your symptoms, it would be wise to stay home and rest your eyes. This will also reduce the chance of spreading any potential infection to others if that’s the cause.

  2. Cold Compress: Apply a clean, cold compress to your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day. This can help reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.

  3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Try to minimize any further rubbing, as this can worsen swelling and irritation.

  4. Hydration: Drink plenty of water and consider using artificial tears (eye drops) to relieve dryness, if you have them on hand.

  5. Identify Triggers: Pay attention to what may have caused this reaction. Consider if you've been exposed to allergens (like pet dander, pollen, or dust) recently.

  6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the swelling does not start to improve within a day or two, or if you begin to experience pain, vision changes, or discharge from the eyes, consider seeking medical attention.

Feel better soon, and take care of yourself! Let me know if you have any other questions or need further information.

Related Questions

Could Two Weeks of Wild Blueberries Lead to Dark Stools?

Warning: Discussion about stools ahead. F20. Since June 14, I’ve been snacking on wild blueberries (don’t inquire why) and have noticed my stools have taken on a dark hue. It’s hard to determine whether it’s a deep brown or more of a black shade. The consistency is solid, and I’m not experiencing any issues with bowel movements. Overall, I feel perfectly fine and haven't noticed any changes in my well-being. My blood pressure readings have also remained stable and in the normal range.

NutritionWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
20 seconds ago

Seeking Urgent Advice!

Greetings everyone, I'm a 19-year-old, and I experienced a wet dream last night. When I went to clean up, I found a small amount of blood mixed with my semen. The color was a light red, and it disappeared after a single wipe. Fast forward about 15 hours, I checked again and it was still present, maintaining the same light color, though there wasn't a significant amount. In hindsight, I realize I may have jumped the gun by not waiting a few days to see if it resolves itself. After doing some quick research, I suspect it might be a result of a tear caused by the wet dream. What are your thoughts on this situation?

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
30 minutes ago

Unusual Odors Post-Exercise: What's Going On?

I'm a 27-year-old female, and for the past three days, I've engaged in daily 30-minute walks at a steep incline of 8-9 while maintaining a pace of 3. This has been a part of my gradual increase in physical activity over the last few weeks. However, I've noticed something strange: about ten minutes after finishing my walks, I start to detect a chemical odor reminiscent of hair or nail products—definitely not ammonia. Additionally, I've been experiencing a mild pressure on the left side of my head that has been persistent during these three days. Alongside this, there's been a continuous slight ache on that same side of my head. I visited my doctor regarding these symptoms, but he was uncertain about the cause and suggested it might be something like mini migraines, dismissing the possibility of more serious issues due to my age. Currently, I'm taking buspirone at a dosage of 15mg twice daily, propranolol hcl 10mg as needed (which I’ve used only twice in the past couple of months), in addition to an over-the-counter fluticasone nasal spray. Given these circumstances, I’m wondering if I should consider getting a second opinion or what steps I should take next. Any insights?

ExerciseSupplementsFamily Medicine
Male25-34
40 minutes ago

23-Year-Old with Persistent Throat Redness and Swollen Lymph Nodes

For the last two months, I've been dealing with recurring red spots in the back of my throat, as well as swelling in my lymph nodes on both sides. Despite consulting various doctors who have assured me that nothing appears abnormal, my white blood cell count was noted to be 3.3. I'm curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation or has any advice to share. Appreciate your help!

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
40 minutes ago

Interpreting a Low NLR of 0.37: Any Next Steps?

As of now, my neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has decreased to 0.37. I’m seeking guidance on whether this warrants any action or concerns. A bit about me: I'm a 34-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 111 pounds. Currently, my prescribed medication includes Vyvanse, which I initiated three months ago. Additionally, I am supplementing with over-the-counter products such as iron, magnesium, vitamin D3, and a prenatal multivitamin. In terms of health conditions, I am dealing with ADHD, alongside ongoing issues with iron and vitamin D3 deficiencies. I also have results for a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) fractions, hormonal thyroid tests, and immunoglobulin M/A/G levels, which I can provide if necessary for further assessment.

SupplementsInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
50 minutes ago