Face swelling and headache: what to know

Swelling around the cheeks, eyes, or forehead with pressure or pain may occur when the nose and sinuses are inflamed. Allergic rhinitis can cause facial pressure, blocked or runny nose, and puffy tissues. A cold can bring congestion and headache, while chronic sinusitis may cause symptoms that persist or keep returning.

Fever, marked tenderness, redness, or swelling on one side may point to infection and needs clinical assessment. Headache with vomiting, poor fluid intake, heat exposure, or dark urine can accompany dehydration or heat exhaustion. Dengue fever and COVID-19 can also cause headache, but facial swelling is not specific to either condition. A clinician may need to examine your face, nose, eyes, temperature, and blood pressure.

Note when the swelling began, whether it is worsening, and whether it affects one side or both. Rest in a cool place, drink fluids if you can, and avoid known allergens. Saline nasal care may ease congestion; use medicines only as directed and check before taking a new product if you have other conditions or take regular medicines. Arrange a same-day assessment for persistent swelling, fever, severe facial pain, or swelling near an eye.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, faintness, confusion, or rapidly spreading swelling. Seek urgent assessment for a sudden severe headache, weakness, trouble speaking, a stiff neck, a new vision problem, or swelling around the eye with pain or reduced eye movement.

Ask what pattern best fits your symptoms, whether you need an examination or testing, which pain relief is suitable for you, and what changes should prompt urgent review.