Diagnosis of facial swelling | Swelling of the face

Diagnosis of facial swelling

In order to assess the cause of the swelling in the face, a patient consultation is necessary. Important questions are whether the swelling appeared suddenly or slowly, whether a certain food was eaten beforehand, whether one was outdoors or surrounded by certain animals. An important question is also whether allergies or neurodermatitis are already known.

Furthermore, it should be clarified whether a manipulation or operation has recently taken place in the head or facial area. After the interview, if there are indications of an allergy, an allergy test can further confirm the diagnosis of an allergy. Various allergens are applied to the skin, the skin is scratched and after 20 minutes it is assessed whether there was a significant swelling, which serves as an indication of an allergy. Furthermore, an exact clinical examination of the swelling as well as a dental examination or inspection of the oral region in case of additional toothache or jaw involvement are also important.

Therapy of facial swelling

Depending on the cause of the swelling in the face, it may need to be treated differently. In general, cooling can help with swelling. If additional pain occurs, it can be treated with painkillers such as ibuprofen.

In the context of an allergy or angioedema, treatment with glucocorticoids such as prednisolone or a combination with an antihistamine is recommended.If there is a severe swelling that reaches down to the throat, i.e. the windpipe, or if the vocal chords/larynx are affected by the swelling, a hospital admission should always be made. Swelling in this area can be life-threatening, as it can lead to shortness of breath and intubation may be necessary to secure ventilation. If severe allergic reactions are known, an allergy passport and appropriate medication for the emergency should always be carried. If it should concern a boil this is treated with a special ointment (boil ointment), additionally antibiotics can be necessary, since it concerns a bacterial inflammation. An early therapy is especially important in the case of boils on the nose, because here the complication is a carry-over of the bacteria via the vessels.