Facial swelling and dehydration

Fluid loss from heat, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or poor intake can cause thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, headache and dizziness. The face may look drawn or the skin may feel dry; that is different from a new area of puffiness. Facial swelling can instead relate to an allergy, infection, sinus problem or medication. Swelling with hives or lip and tongue symptoms can occur with angioedema or anaphylaxis. Persistent swelling alongside reduced urine may also need assessment for a kidney problem such as chronic kidney disease.

If you can drink safely, take frequent small amounts of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after fluid loss. Replace fluids gradually and rest somewhere cool. Do not force drinks if you are repeatedly vomiting or have a swallowing problem. Keep track of urine, alertness and the progression of swelling. Avoid assuming that drinking more will treat facial puffiness when the cause is unclear; arrange medical advice if it persists or returns.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, breathing difficulty, throat tightness or rapid swelling of the lips, tongue or face. Seek same-day care for fever with facial redness or pain, eye swelling, severe headache, or swelling that continues despite recovery from fluid loss. People with kidney, heart or other fluid-sensitive conditions should ask a clinician how much to drink.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dehydration, how to replace fluids safely, whether a medicine or allergy could explain the swelling, and which urine or blood changes should prompt reassessment. Describe recent fluid losses and any change in urine amount or colour.