What should you know about flu swollen lips?

Illness can dry and crack the lips, while repeated wiping or contact with a new balm may irritate them. Swelling can also follow a medicine, food, supplement, or insect exposure. Angioedema is deeper swelling of the lips, face, or other areas and may occur with or without hives.

Note when swelling began, whether it is worsening, and what was taken or applied beforehand. Swelling limited to a cracked area is different from sudden swelling of both lips, the tongue, eyelids, or throat.

Stop any newly introduced lip product and avoid fragranced balms or home remedies. Keep the lips clean, use a bland protective ointment if it does not sting, and take photographs to show a clinician. Do not restart a suspected medicine without medical advice, and do not share someone else’s allergy treatment.

Arrange prompt medical advice when swelling is new, recurrent, or increasing, especially after a medicine. A clinician can decide whether the pattern needs evaluation for Angioedema or another cause.

Call emergency services immediately for difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, trouble swallowing, voice change, dizziness, collapse, or swelling of the tongue. Urgent assessment is also needed for rapidly worsening swelling or a widespread itchy rash.

Ask which exposure is most concerning, whether you should avoid a specific medicine, how to manage a future episode, and whether an allergy or angioedema assessment is appropriate.