Noticed Swollen Eye, Red And Puffy Nose. Took Benadryl. What Is The Problem?

Posted on Fri, 2 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 Answered on

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up this morning with a swollen eye -- red and puffy toward my nose. Used a couple drops of Elestat, a cold compress and took Benadryl. Eye has gone down -- although it looks like I've been crying. Now my cheek is looking red and welted. This happened to me one month ago -- other cheek but eye wasn't involved. I do have allergies and they've been bothering me but not enough for this kind of reaction -- although last couple days I wasn't taking Zrytec regularly. Is this a Fall allergy that I just have to stay on top of? Anything else I can do or should watch for?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (5 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From your description it seems to be an allergic eye reaction. You have managed it well by taking an anti allergic and doing a cold compress. You can apply local decongestant eye drops also for an earlier relief.
It usually takes 3-5 days to subside. Do watch out for any discharge from the eye and any itching which might be indicative of an eye infection.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar