What does facial swelling feel like with anaphylaxis?

Facial Swelling is a very common presentation of Anaphylaxis. The face may look puffy around the eyes, cheeks or mouth. The skin can feel stretched or firm rather than tender. Swelling may appear alongside hives, flushing, itching, wheezing, a hoarse voice, stomach cramps or vomiting. A person can have a serious reaction even if the skin changes seem mild.

Treat suspected anaphylaxis as an emergency. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if one has been prescribed, following its instructions, and call emergency services immediately. Keep the person lying down with legs raised unless breathing is easier sitting up. Do not let them stand or walk. A second auto-injector may be needed if symptoms continue or return, according to the device instructions and emergency advice.

Call emergency services at once for facial swelling with trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing, faintness, confusion, a weak pulse, blue or pale lips, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Emergency assessment is needed even when symptoms improve after adrenaline, because the reaction can recur.

Ask what may have triggered the reaction, how to use and replace your auto-injector, whether you need an allergy assessment, and which medicines or foods should be recorded as possible triggers.