Does food allergy cause facial swelling?

An allergic immune response can release chemicals that make blood vessels leaky. Fluid then collects in tissues around the eyes, lips, cheeks, or tongue, causing swelling known as angioedema. It may begin soon after eating a trigger food and can occur with hives, itching, vomiting, coughing, wheezing, or throat tightness. Swelling can have non-allergic causes too, so the timing, foods eaten, and accompanying symptoms help a clinician assess it.

Stop eating the suspected food and keep the packaging or ingredient list if available. Follow your prescribed allergy action plan. If an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed and emergency symptoms occur, use it as directed and call emergency services. Do not deliberately re-test a suspected food at home. Arrange an allergy assessment to identify triggers and discuss safe substitutes and future prevention.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, a hoarse voice, faintness, confusion, or repeated vomiting after eating. A reaction can worsen even if the first symptom seems mild. Do not drive yourself if severe symptoms are present. Any new facial swelling after food should receive prompt medical advice, especially if the cause is unclear or symptoms recur.

Could this swelling be an allergic reaction? Which foods or ingredients should I avoid until assessment? Do I need an adrenaline auto-injector and an emergency plan? How can I recognise a progressing reaction?