Facial swelling with mono

Infectious mononucleosis can enlarge lymph nodes in the neck and cause a sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, and marked tiredness. This may make the face or upper neck look fuller, although swelling concentrated around the lips, tongue, or eyelids suggests considering another cause. An itchy rash or rapid swelling after a medicine may indicate angioedema or an allergy. One-sided warmth, redness, and tenderness can fit cellulitis. Facial swelling is a common presentation of angioedema, but it does not establish why the swelling happened. A clinician may need to separate mono-related inflammation from infection or a medicine reaction.

Rest, sip fluids regularly, choose soft foods if swallowing hurts, and use only medicines recommended for you. Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or toothbrushes while unwell. Do not take antibiotics left over from another illness; some medicines can cause a rash in people with mono and require professional guidance. Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports until a clinician advises that it is safe, because mono can affect the spleen. Keep a record of new medicines and changes in swelling.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, tongue swelling, faintness, or rapidly increasing facial or throat swelling. Arrange urgent review for severe one-sided throat pain, dehydration, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin, or intense pain in the upper left abdomen. Contact a clinician if swelling is worsening, a rash appears after medicine, or symptoms are not improving as expected.

Is the swelling consistent with mono, swollen glands, infection, or a medicine reaction? Which activities and medicines should I avoid? How will you assess my throat and abdominal symptoms?