Persistent Swelling in Right Cheek – Doctor Struggles to Identify Cause (31-Year-Old Female)
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out because I've been experiencing **bizarre recurring swelling in my right cheek** for nearly a year, and thus far, no physician has been able to pinpoint what’s going on. # Symptoms: * The swelling typically occurs **overnight** (in about 90% of the instances) and remains for **2 to 3 days**. * While the swelling is **not painful**, it feels **hard or firm**, as if something is pressing within the cheek, potentially linked to the parotid gland. * Occasionally, there’s a mild **itchiness or tingling** sensation prior to the onset. * Initially localized to one region, the swelling has started to appear in **various areas** of the cheek since I received **Botox** treatment aimed at alleviating jaw tension. * The episodes now happen **roughly every two weeks**, although this is not stable — there sometimes are identifiable triggers (such as alcohol consumption, flying, or being unwell), yet it can also manifest on completely healthy days. # Medical Evaluations Conducted: * **MRI** – results were normal (although the swelling was not present during this scan). * **CT scan when swollen** – indicated inflammation but no evidence of stones. * **Sialogram** – revealed 50% narrowing of the salivary duct on the affected side. * **Blood tests, thyroid examination, allergy testing, and dental evaluations** – all returned normal results. * I attempted treatments like **lymphatic drainage, naturopathy, and reiki**, but saw no improvements. * Allergy testing - I am not allergic to any substances. Various doctors, including an ENT specialist, were unable to provide a definitive diagnosis. Initially, they recommended a sialoendoscopy with duct dilation but later mentioned that it might not yield results, proposing instead that my large jaw muscles could be exerting pressure on the salivary or parotid glands, prompting them to suggest Botox — which I underwent about two weeks ago; however, this has not eliminated the swelling but merely shifted its position. I'm currently traveling, which limits my ability to pursue further testing at the moment. I’ve been prescribed **doxycycline once** before, yet I’m uncertain whether to start it or if it would be of any benefit. Has anyone faced a similar situation? I would really appreciate any insights, recommendations for supplements, or personal experiences, as it’s increasingly frustrating not knowing the underlying cause or receiving a clear diagnosis. Thank you for any help! 🙏
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 2:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent and frustrating swelling in your right cheek, which has been difficult to diagnose despite thorough evaluations. You've noted that the swelling correlates with specific factors and that prior treatments have not led to significant relief.
Main Points
- Possible Causes: The swelling could be linked to a blocked salivary gland, mucous retention, or inflammation of the parotid gland, among other conditions.
- Next Steps: Focus on tracking triggers, evaluating dietary habits, and considering certain medications or treatments specifically targeting salivary issues.
Explanation
The symptoms you're describing, including the firm feeling and episodic nature of the swelling, suggest possible issues with your salivary glands. Factors such as inflammation or minor blockages could lead to these symptoms, especially if triggered by hydration levels, certain foods, or stress (as with air travel). Given your history and the lack of improvement with previous interventions, it's important to take a structured approach to managing and understanding your symptoms.
Actionable Guidance
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when the swelling occurs, what you ate or drank prior, any activities (like traveling), and your overall health leading up to the episode. This can help identify specific triggers.
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Hydration: Ensure you’re staying well-hydrated, as dehydration can worsen salivary gland functioning and potentially trigger swelling.
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Dietary Adjustments: Examine your consumption of potential irritants like alcohol and caffeine, which have been noted as triggers. Consider reducing or eliminating these items to see if your condition improves.
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Doxycycline Consideration: If you decide to start the doxycycline, it could help if there’s a low-grade infection or inflammatory process at play. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and monitor for any changes in your swelling post-treatment.
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Follow-Up Plans: As you're traveling, when you return home, consider revisiting an ENT specialist or seeking a second opinion on the suspected salivary blockage. Inquire about conservative management plans that could include potential dilation of any narrowed ducts or further imaging studies when the swelling is active.
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Relaxation Techniques: Since stress can trigger muscle tension which may impact your symptoms, consider integrating relaxation techniques or gentle massaging of the area.
While it may feel disheartening not to have a clear diagnosis yet, your proactive approach and detailed records can facilitate future evaluations and discussions with healthcare professionals. Stay connected with your support system and express your concerns openly if the situation worsens.
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