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How Should I Manage Worsening Facial Swelling?
Question: Hi,
My husband had swelling on his face, beginning at his lip and going into the jaw. We went to the ER, and they did many tests, and found nothing. However, an MRI showed a nodule behind his sinus, and one in his sinus. We have followed up with our ENT, and have a scope scheduled the 28. He didn't think the swelling was important.
I gave him Zertec this morning, then remembered the Benadryl. I gave him one at 8:00 am, then after church it had gone down some. I gave him 2 more at 12:30, and it is going down more.
I'm concerned that it is an allergic reaction, and since it is getting worse, I'm concerned. I know about anaphylactic shock and want to avoid that at all costs!
He did eat several kinds of fried shell fish last night at dinner
My husband had swelling on his face, beginning at his lip and going into the jaw. We went to the ER, and they did many tests, and found nothing. However, an MRI showed a nodule behind his sinus, and one in his sinus. We have followed up with our ENT, and have a scope scheduled the 28. He didn't think the swelling was important.
I gave him Zertec this morning, then remembered the Benadryl. I gave him one at 8:00 am, then after church it had gone down some. I gave him 2 more at 12:30, and it is going down more.
I'm concerned that it is an allergic reaction, and since it is getting worse, I'm concerned. I know about anaphylactic shock and want to avoid that at all costs!
He did eat several kinds of fried shell fish last night at dinner
Brief Answer:
If worsening swelling of face, should in case affect breathing
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The swelling may be angioedema which refers to deep swelling not just involving the superficial / top layers of the skin but the deeper areas as well. It does most commonly involve the face but can also involve other areas of the body such as the genital region.
Angioedema can be triggered by an allergic reaction but there are other causes as well eg reaction to medication, side effect of a family of medications called ACE inhibitors. Some persons also react to heat, cold, physical pressure on the skin.
Using the antihistamines like you did, the Zyrtec and Benadryl would have definitely helped if it was related to an allergic reaction. There are other medications that can be used as well if needed- some of these are Singulair, Accolate, steroids.
If he is having repeat swelling of his face, he should seen as soon as possible, if it is not improving or if there is worsening because this can potentially affect his breathing.
It would be best for him to see an allergist or dermatologist for a routine visit to definitely determine the exact cause and treatment. You may want to consider taking pics of the areas when they are swollen to take to the specialists as well.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards
If worsening swelling of face, should in case affect breathing
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The swelling may be angioedema which refers to deep swelling not just involving the superficial / top layers of the skin but the deeper areas as well. It does most commonly involve the face but can also involve other areas of the body such as the genital region.
Angioedema can be triggered by an allergic reaction but there are other causes as well eg reaction to medication, side effect of a family of medications called ACE inhibitors. Some persons also react to heat, cold, physical pressure on the skin.
Using the antihistamines like you did, the Zyrtec and Benadryl would have definitely helped if it was related to an allergic reaction. There are other medications that can be used as well if needed- some of these are Singulair, Accolate, steroids.
If he is having repeat swelling of his face, he should seen as soon as possible, if it is not improving or if there is worsening because this can potentially affect his breathing.
It would be best for him to see an allergist or dermatologist for a routine visit to definitely determine the exact cause and treatment. You may want to consider taking pics of the areas when they are swollen to take to the specialists as well.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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