What should you know about extremely swollen lip?

Swelling may start after a food, medicine, cosmetic, insect bite, dental procedure, or lip injury. It may affect one area or both lips and can occur with itching, hives, redness, tenderness, or warmth. Angioedema is deeper swelling of the skin or mucous tissues and can involve the lips, face, tongue, or throat. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause, so timing and accompanying symptoms matter.

Stop using any newly applied lip product and avoid the suspected food or medicine until a clinician advises you. Do not scratch or squeeze the area. A cool compress held gently against the lip may ease discomfort. Photograph the swelling and record what you ate, took, applied, or experienced beforehand. Read more about Angioedema.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, a swollen tongue, dizziness, faintness, or rapidly worsening facial swelling. Seek prompt medical care for fever, pus, severe pain, spreading redness, or swelling after an injury. Even without emergency symptoms, new or repeated marked swelling should be assessed to identify triggers and reduce the chance of another episode.

Could this be angioedema or an infection? What trigger should I avoid? Do I need a medication plan for another episode? Which symptoms mean I should call emergency services?