Facial swelling causes, treatment and home remedies

Swollen face

If a facial swelling occurs, it causes many a person to a great shock and an unpleasant feeling of shame. At the same time, pain, nausea such as tingling or increased sensitivity to pressure can occur in many cases, making the swelling very uncomfortable and stressful. The causes are manifold, often it is an allergy or diseases of the kidneys, liver or heart.

Thyroid hypofunction, problems in the teeth and jaw area or headaches can lead to a swollen face. In addition, comparatively "harmless" reasons such as a sleepless night or a heavily salted meal the night before come into consideration. Since swelling can be a symptom of many illnesses, it should always be examined as a precaution by a doctor, which is especially true in case of prolonged or sudden symptoms.

contents

• Swollen face
• Causes of facial swelling
• Facial swelling in allergy
• Swelling in the mouth or neck
• Facial swelling after cortisone
• Reduce side effects of cortisone
• Facial swelling unilateral
• Unilateral swelling due to salivary gland inflammation
• Swollen face after dental treatment
• Facial swelling in the morning
• Treatment with swollen face
• Naturopathy with swelling in the facial area
• Effective home remedies with swollen face

Causes of facial swelling

If there is swelling on the face, it is a sign of water retention in the tissue, which is referred to medically as "edema". This can be due to a variety of causes, such as lack of sleep, certain medications (such as cortisone or antidepressants), alcohol or drug abuse, an insect bite, or an abscess. Sinusitis, kidney and liver diseases as well as heart failure (heart failure) are the trigger. Thyroid hypofunction, tooth and jaw diseases such as pulpitis or teething troubles such as mumps also quickly lead to water retention on the face.

Swollen face: cause here an allergic reaction. (Image: Fotolia RAW / fotolia)

Facial swelling in allergy

Another cause of facial swelling may be an allergic reaction that releases histamine through the body (histamine-mediated angioedema). This is a natural substance that is found in almost all animal and human cells and among other things, causes the vessel walls are temporarily permeable and liquid exits from the blood vessel into the surrounding tissue. As a result, the swelling develops, also dilate through the histamine, the blood vessels, which leads to a reddening of the skin.

For example, hay fever can cause angioedema in the form of swelling of the nasal mucosa, and food allergies can cause swelling in the cervical and oral area, or even anaphylactic shock in an emergency.

Histamine-mediated angioedema can also cause other, non-allergic triggers, but these can lead to allergy-like reactions. Examples include a flu infection, drug incompatibility (e.g., aspirin), and autoimmune reactions. In addition, a number of nonspecific triggers are considered, such as heavy physical exertion, emotional stress, cold or heat, prolonged sitting or standing or contact with certain chemicals. Often, angioedema occurs together with urticaria (urticaria), in addition, it may happen that the cause of the skin lesions can not or can not be fully resolved ("idiopathic angioedema").

In addition to the histamine-mediated form, angioedema in rarer cases may also be due to a hereditary defect or defect of the so-called "C1-esterase inhibitor" (abbreviated to "C1-INH"), which is a protein, which various metabolic processes regulated ("hereditary angioedema"). Skin swelling may also be due to the use of cardiovascular medicines (ACE inhibitors such as benazepril or AT inhibitors such as candesartan) or certain diseases or processes in the body that cause C1-INH deficiency ("acquired angioedema"). arise.

All forms of angioedema are characterized by swelling of the skin, most commonly affecting the extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet), the face and the genitals. The skin changes usually do not show as itchy rash, but cause tingling, tenderness or pain. In particular, histamine-mediated angioedema occur primarily on the face, especially on the lips and around the eyes, sometimes only one eye is swollen. As these are relatively common with hives, hives and redness are typical.

Swelling in the mouth or neck

Less common - but all the more dangerous - is histamine-mediated angioedema in the mouth or throat (larynx), which can cause a foreign body sensation in the throat, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, dyspnoea, and hoarseness.

In the case of histamine-mediated angioedema in the mouth or throat, there is an acute danger of suffocation. (Image: RFBSIP / fotolia.com)

Danger: Since there is an acute danger of asphyxiation due to the swelling, a doctor should be consulted immediately at the first suspicion of a laryngeal or tongue swelling, or the emergency service should be called under the telephone number 112.

In particular, hereditary angioedema (HAE) also causes swelling attacks in the gastrointestinal tract, which may manifest as nausea and vomiting, convulsions and diarrhea. Here it may happen that the swelling occurs only "internally" and externally recognizable skin changes are missing, so that the complaints not infrequently other diseases such. associated with an appendicitis or inflammation.

Facial swelling after cortisone

It is also possible that swollen face is caused by a treatment with cortisone (cortisone), which is also an endogenous hormone and one of the most famous drugs ever. The colloquial term "cortisone" includes several hormones (glucocorticoids), which are produced in the adrenal cortex and among other things affect the cardiovascular system and metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effect.

Accordingly, these are mainly used in rheumatism, bronchial asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease as well as skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis or eczema to curb inflammatory reactions. Because glucocorticoids also suppress immunological processes (immunosuppression) and thus prevent excessive autoaggressive immune responses, cortisone is often used in the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Synthetically produced glucocorticoids are used as medicaments, which are almost universally applicable and can therefore help very effectively in chronic inflammation. Nevertheless, there is often a certain skepticism about the medicine, because patients are anxious and unsure about the term "cortisone" and fear serious side effects such as thin skin and puffy faces.

This fear is not unfounded, because in addition to the desired effects, the drug can have a variety of possible side effects, especially in a high-dose and / or long use. If e.g. Cortisone-containing gels, creams or ointments may be used for more than two weeks at a time. This can lead to thinning of the skin, red capillaries or a form of acne (steroid acne). Cortisone-containing nasal drops can cause the nasal mucosa to dilute and dry out often causes nosebleeds.

Other possible side effects of cortisone after short-term, high-dose use may be dizziness, headache, insomnia or depression.

Overdosing over an extended period of time increases the risk of symptoms of a so-called "Cushing Syndrome" due to the increased hormonal effect of glucocorticoids on the tissues. These include muscle weakness or muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, weight gain, facial swelling ("full moon face"), facial flushing, cloudy eyes (cataracts), bruising or water retention in the tissue.

By new dosage forms, such as Inhalers, cortisone can now be targeted and used in a controlled amount. (Image: absolutimages / fotolia.com)

Reduce side effects of cortisone

Now that the side effects are well-researched, cortisone is now used differently and far more cautiously than in the past. Accordingly, the treatment of acute cases is as short as necessary, in chronic diseases that require long-term treatment, only very small doses are used. Moreover, in recent years, the active ingredient has been further developed and the side effects reduced, mainly because of the new dosage forms such. Creams, ointments, eye drops or inhalers can be used purposefully and limitedly and no longer acts as previously by tablets or injections automatically throughout the body.

In addition, patients who regularly take cortisone can do a few things themselves to relieve or prevent side effects. According to the professional association of German internists (BDI), it is particularly important to regularly check the body weight in order to prevent weight gain, which can result from the increase in appetite as a result of taking the drug. Since this raises the blood sugar level, should therefore be paid to a sugar-reduced diet as possible, also important is also a sufficient intake of protein at the same time low fat content of the diet, as well as the cholesterol level rises.

Since higher doses suppress the salt excretion of the body and a reduction in bone density can occur, it is recommended to low-salt diet and low-salt diet and the intake of much calcium and vitamin D. In general, also regular exercise or sport firmly in the Integrate everyday life to keep the body resistant and fit.

The adrenal cortex is the body's most common cortisone in the morning, so it is generally advisable to take cortisone tablets between 6 and 8 o'clock, in order not to disturb the natural rhythm of the body more than necessary. If the remedy is taken over a longer period of time, the treatment should never be stopped abruptly, as otherwise an increase in the symptoms or a circulatory failure or a shock threatens. Instead, the medications are slowed down by gradually reducing the dosage until the body can resume its own production of cortisol in the adrenal cortex.

In general, a close cooperation between the patient and the doctor is very important, especially in the case of prolonged use, in order to avoid side effects to the greatest possible extent, since internal use may be avoided, for example. Do not take longer than 3 to 4 weeks without medical supervision. For this reason, affected persons should also inform themselves as comprehensively as possible about cortisone and their treatment in order to actively shape their course and minimize risks.

Facial swelling unilateral

If the symptoms are unilateral, the so-called trigemino-autonomic headache (TAKs) can be the trigger, which is a group of attack-like, severe headache, which occur in the area of ​​the trigeminal nerve. In addition to the pain, other symptoms usually appear here, such as Eye tears, a runny nose, agitation, a reddened eye or swelling of the affected half of the face, regardless of the type of headache, there is at least one other typical hallmark.

Depending on the duration and frequency of the attacks, different types of trigemino-autonomic headache are distinguished, with all forms equally being both episodic, i. with longer symptom-free phases, as well as chronic or with almost daily discomfort can occur.

The most common example is cluster headache, which is extremely severe, one-sided pain, sometimes occurring several times a day for about 30 minutes to three hours in the forehead and behind the eyeball. Another known form of trigemino-autonomic headache is the "paroxysmal hemicrania" in which the symptoms also occur seizure, although compared to the cluster headache, although more common, but each of shorter duration.

Unilateral swelling due to salivary gland inflammation

Salivary gland inflammation can lead to sudden, usually one-sided (with mumps on both sides) and very strong pain as well as a facial swelling in the area of ​​the affected gland. This feels hardened and is very sensitive to pressure, sometimes the skin around it is hot and red and there is a fever. When eating, there is usually an increase in the symptoms, since in the meantime increased saliva, which exerts additional pressure on the affected tissue.

Salivary gland inflammation can cause very severe pain and swelling in the face. (Image: Adiano / fotolia.com)

In some cases, pus may drain into the mouth. If the parotid gland is affected, jaw pain and mouth opening problems often occur due to its proximity to the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles.

The most common are the three large salivary glands (lower tongue, lower jaw and parotid gland), in addition to which the smaller glands in the throat, lips or cheek mucosa may be inflamed. In most cases, the inflammation is triggered by bacteria (staphylococci or streptococci) or viruses. The most common cause of acute salivary gland inflammation in childhood is mumps, but coxsackie viruses may be responsible, for example.

A so-called "salivary stone" (sialolith), which clogs the excretory duct of the salivary gland and thereby ensures a secretion jam, which provides the pathogens with an ideal breeding ground, has a beneficial effect. In turn, such a stone can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions such as excess calcium (hypercalcaemia), diabetes mellitus or gout. In addition to scars or a tumor can cause the salivation is disturbed and therefore pathogens have "easier game".

Other risk factors for the development of salivary gland inflammation are inadequate oral hygiene, a disturbed electrolyte or water balance, malnutrition or certain drugs that reduce the production of saliva such. dehydrating agents (diuretics), antidepressants or anti-allergic (antihistamines) preparations. In rare cases autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren syndrome (also called "sicca syndrome") come into consideration, in which especially a dry mouth and dry eyes are the typical symptoms.

Swollen face after dental treatment

Often after a dental surgery, a strong swelling on the face, but in this case quite normal and due to the heavy stress of the tissue is almost inevitable. The same applies to the sore pain that shows up after a dental surgery, but usually already helps physical protection and the cooling of the affected area to relieve the symptoms. Here, however, should be taken to ensure that the Coolpack o.ä. wrapped with a cloth and not placed directly on the wound to avoid skin damage or hypothermia.

In addition, it is advisable to avoid physical exertion, sports and housework, as this increases the blood pressure and the healing is delayed. The same applies to coffee, black tea, cola, alcohol and nicotine, as well as hot and very cold drinks and food, juices and milk should be avoided for a day or two to avoid rebleeding and poor wound healing.

It is important that you leave the wound at all costs and do not push around on it or similar. otherwise there is a risk of it bursting again and bleeding. On the other hand, oral hygiene should generally not be left out even after an intervention, but bypassing the wound area. It is advisable to take extra care when using electric toothbrushes and oral irrigators to avoid inflammation.

Under normal circumstances, facial swelling diminishes significantly after a few days, but lasts longer and continues to be accompanied by pain and / or persistent bleeding, fever or other disturbances of general well-being, e.g. indicate an inflammation or a wound healing disorder. Accordingly, in this case, a dentist should be consulted immediately to clarify the cause and to avoid complications.

Too short a night or a lot of alcohol the night before can quickly be recognized by swollen eyes in the morning. (Image: Catalin Pop / fotolia.com)

Facial swelling in the morning

If the face is swollen and bloated especially in the morning, there are various reasons such as A too short night or alcohol or drug use the previous evening into consideration, which can lead to a disturbed lymph flow and thus to fluid retention in the tissue. In many cases, a diet rich in salt, protein and sugar is the reason for water retention, which is visible through eye swelling or circles under the eyes, but also due to swollen legs or thick feet.

Often dental problems are responsible for waking up in the morning with a "big cheek" and a toothache. The reason for this is often a so-called "pulpitis", which is an inflammation of the dental pulp (medical "pulp"), which fills the interior of the tooth and is surrounded by enamel, dentin and cementum. This is also known as "dental root inflammation" or "tooth nerve inflammation" and caused in most cases by a timely treated caries, as a result of which the caries bacteria step by step penetrate into the tooth interior and cause an inflammation there.

In addition, mechanical triggers such as tooth impact or tooth grinding may be considered, thereby breaking off the pulp's protective tooth hard tissue and exposing the tooth nerve. Such irritation can also be caused by dental treatment (e.g., preparation of the tooth for a crown), as well as the possibility that untreated or inadequately treated periodontitis may spread to and cause inflammation of the tooth root.

A typical feature of pulpitis is a strong throbbing or throbbing toothache, which often intensifies at night due to the warmth of the bed. The affected tooth is extremely sensitive to cold, heat and pressure. Inflammation can quickly spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissue, causing the "thick cheek" swelling on the face.

For a swelling of gums and cheeks, a "dead" tooth may be responsible. Other dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis or an abscess in the root or jaw area, which can lead to complications such as narrowing the respiratory tract or spreading the germs in the body, can also be considered. Accordingly, a toothache and / or a facial swelling due to dental problems should always be visited immediately a dentist who can clarify the cause of the complaints and initiate the necessary treatment steps.

In allergic swellings usually cortisone and antihistamines are used. (Image: chaphot / fotolia.com)

Treatment with swollen face

For example, while a swelling due to tooth surgery usually disappears by itself after several days, in other cases, such as e.g. Thyroid dysfunction, kidney weakness or food allergy, recurrent or permanent and be very different pronounced. Accordingly, the treatment is performed depending on the cause by, for example, in acute allergy often cortisone and antihistamines or thyroid hormone under synthetic thyroid hormones are administered. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics are used in many cases, as well as in the treatment of abscesses after a dental treatment.

If a cluster headache condition is present, the treatment usually consists on the one hand in the relief of the pain during the attacks (acute therapy) and on the other in the prevention of further attacks in the pain-free phases (prophylaxis). In this way, it is possible in most cases to get the complaints largely under control, whereas a complete cure is not yet possible. In acute therapy, the inhalation of 100 percent oxygen via a face mask is usually the drug of choice, and the use of sumatriptan is also possible, which is self-injected under the skin (subcutaneously) by those affected by a so-called "auto-injector" can.

In the context of prophylaxis, especially the drug "verapamil" is used, other active ingredients are for example topiramate, melatonin or valproic acid, and it is sometimes necessary in chronic cluster headache, to combine several drugs for treatment. If these measures do not help, there is the possibility of a so-called neuromodulation therapy in which the transmission of nerve impulses is suppressed by weak electrical stimuli and as a result the frequency and severity of pain attacks is reduced.

Naturopathy with swelling in the facial area

If the cause of the facial swelling is medically clarified, depending on the cause and appearance of water retention in the tissue in addition to conventional medical treatment methods, various naturopathic procedures and home remedies can help alleviate the discomfort. Mostly cooling is a soothing first aid measure to reduce the swelling and relieve severe pain. However, it is important to make sure that cool batteries, cool packs or similar. Never put directly on the skin, but wrapped with a cloth to avoid hypothermia or frostbite.

When cooling the swelling, the cool pack should not be placed directly on the skin, but wrapped with a cloth. (Image: absolutimages / fotolia.com)

It makes sense to use certain medicinal plants such as birch or stinging nettle, which have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect and thus prevent both the formation of water retention in the tissue and their degradation. Here, e.g. Tea made from stinging nettle leaves, by brewing about 8 teaspoons of fresh or dried leaves with boiling water for one liter. After a brewing time of 10 minutes, the tea should then be drunk throughout the day, in the case of facial swelling due to heart or kidney problems, however, he is not suitable.

Certain healing stones can provide effective support by, for example, massaging the affected area on the face or taking a liquid preparation (e.g., gemstone water). With a swelling on the face of the stone healing offers, inter alia, the minerals "chalcedony" and "beryl", which promote the lymphatic flow, lymph node swelling and reduce edema and relieve allergic reactions.

In addition, the natural remedies are good in swollen areas due to an insect bite, which in case of an insect sting allergy can not replace the emergency kit with antihistamine, cortisone and adrenaline and / or the (emergency) doctor. Every allergic person should carry the set with them at all times and take them as quickly as possible after a sting. In addition, it is absolutely important to keep calm and to call the ambulance immediately, especially if the symptoms occur at other parts of the body or if there is respiratory distress and palpitations.

On the other hand, if "normal" reactions such as redness, swelling and itching occur at the injection site, a sliced ​​onion can help, which is placed on the sting for a few minutes. Similarly, a few drops of tea tree or lemon oil, which are dabbed with a piece of cotton wool on the stitch to mitigate the swelling, against the itching is recommended in parallel with lavender oil.

Even after a dental surgery usually occurs facial swelling, which is due to the heavy stress of the tissue. Here in homeopathy Arnica is considered an important remedy, as it supports wound healing and has a decongestant effect. The use of Arnica D12 (or higher) has proven to be successful. Additionally, Symphytum (D8 or D10) and Hypericum (D10 or D12) may be helpful in relieving postoperative discomfort. It is generally recommended to take 5 globules or 5 to 10 drops three to four times a day, but the exact dosage and duration of use should be discussed with a doctor, homeopath or pharmacist.

Healing wraps relieve swelling in the face. (InPixKommunikation / fotolia)

Effective home remedies with swollen face

When in the morning the eyes are closed due to "harmless" causes such as A swollen or salty late meal, lack of sleep or crying, proven home remedies can often best help. Above all, it is important to drink plenty of water to boost lymphatic transport and reduce swelling.

Very popular are freshly sliced ​​cucumber slices, which are placed on the eyes, as these cool and moisturize at the same time. This "small cold shock", which provides for swelling, can also be achieved by a spoon that has been stored at night in the freezer compartment or cooling glasses. Also helpful may be briefly brewed and cooled tea bags of black or green tea.

Recommended for thick eyes is an eyebright compress for which first one to two teaspoons of eyebright tea (from the pharmacy) are boiled with boiling water. After the tea has been drawn for eight to ten minutes and cooled slightly, a cotton pad is dipped into the tea, expressed lightly and placed on the closed eye.

A mask with cottage cheese can be very helpful, because it also has a decongestant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic and also cools the face in a pleasant way. For this purpose, just natural Quark about half a centimeter thick on a dishcloth or kitchen crepe painted, wrapped in it and then placed so long on the swollen spot until the curd is dried. It should be ensured that this is not too cold, but at the beginning of the application has a temperature of about 18 degrees Celsius. (nr, last updated on 16.2.2018)