Does chronic kidney disease cause facial swelling?

The kidneys help remove extra salt and water and maintain proteins that keep fluid in the bloodstream. When kidney function is reduced, fluid may collect in tissues. Puffiness can be more noticeable around the eyes after waking and may occur with ankle swelling, changes in urination, breathlessness or a rise in weight. Facial swelling can also follow an allergic reaction, dental problem, skin infection or medicine change, so its timing and accompanying symptoms matter.

Contact a clinician if swelling is new, persistent, returning or associated with known kidney disease. Take a list of medicines and note whether the swelling is worse in the morning, affects one side, follows a food or medicine, or comes with changes in urine. Do not take water tablets or sharply restrict salt or fluids without advice; the right approach depends on the cause and your overall health.

Seek emergency help for facial swelling with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, trouble breathing, faintness or difficulty swallowing. Obtain prompt medical care for fever, severe pain, redness, eye pain, vision changes, confusion, very little urine or rapidly increasing swelling.

Ask whether you need blood and urine tests, a medicine review or assessment for allergy, infection and fluid retention. Ask what changes in swelling, breathing or urination should lead to urgent help.