What should you know about covid and facial swelling?

Facial swelling may arise from an allergic reaction, skin or dental infection, sinus inflammation, or fluid retention. Angioedema can cause sudden swelling beneath the skin, often around the lips or eyes. Cellulitis may cause a warm, red, tender area that expands. Sinusitis may cause pressure and swelling around the cheeks or eyes. Chronic Kidney Disease can contribute to fluid retention, particularly when swelling occurs in other parts of the body as well.

COVID-19 may occur at the same time as one of these problems, but facial swelling alone cannot identify its cause. The speed of onset, pain, redness, rash, fever, medicines, foods, and breathing symptoms help guide assessment.

If swelling is mild and you are breathing normally, note when it began and whether it followed a food, medicine, sting, or new product. Avoid a suspected trigger and arrange medical advice, especially when swelling is new or increasing. Do not use someone else's prescription or delay assessment because you assume it is part of COVID-19.

A clinician may need to examine the skin, mouth, teeth, sinuses, and general fluid balance. Keep a list of medicines and allergies, and take a photo if the swelling changes before review.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, faintness, sudden widespread hives, or rapidly worsening facial swelling. These can occur with Anaphylaxis and require Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment. Do not wait to see whether the swelling settles.

Seek urgent same-day care for fever with a hot, painful, spreading facial area, swelling near the eye, severe dental pain, vision changes, or reduced urine. These signs can point to infection or another problem needing prompt treatment.

Explain how quickly the swelling appeared, where it started, what you had eaten or taken, whether you have a rash or fever, and whether your breathing or urine output changed. Ask whether you need allergy assessment or treatment for infection, sinus disease, or fluid retention.