What should you know about stress induced facial swelling?

Stress can disturb sleep, increase muscle tension and change eating or drinking patterns, which may make the face look puffy. Stress alone does not explain every episode. Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, eyelids or throat can occur with angioedema or anaphylaxis. One-sided warmth, redness and tenderness may point to cellulitis, while blocked or painful areas around the cheeks and eyes can occur with sinusitis. Swelling that is persistent or accompanied by changes in urine or leg swelling also deserves a medical review for conditions such as chronic kidney disease.

If the swelling is mild and you feel well, note when it began, what you ate, any new medicine or cosmetic, and whether it changes after rest. Sit upright, avoid a suspected new trigger, and use a cool compress without pressing hard. Do not take someone else’s prescription medicine. Arrange a clinician review if it returns, lasts, is painful, or has no clear explanation. Keep a record of associated itching, rash, fever, dental pain or breathing changes.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, confusion, or rapidly spreading swelling. These features can signal anaphylaxis and need urgent treatment. Seek same-day medical care for fever with a hot, red, tender area, severe facial pain, eye swelling or vision changes. A clinician can decide whether urgent assessment or anaphylaxis emergency treatment is needed.

Ask what causes should be checked, whether your medicines or products could contribute, and what symptoms should prompt emergency action. Ask how to record future episodes and whether allergy or kidney assessment is appropriate.