What Causes Swelling On Tongue And Cheek After Taking Flu Shot?

Posted on Fri, 24 Oct 2014

Question: Hello-Since I received a flu shot last November (2013) I have experienced swelling in my tongue or lower lip or cheek. Mostly it is the left side of my tongue. I will have a weird dream which will awaken me to the swelling episode. Usually the cure is taking a benedril tablet 25mg. This must mean it is an allergic reaction?
Twice I had to go to the nearest ER for treatment as the swelling starts to interfere with my breathing. The last time I went there I received Prednisone via IV and left with a 5 day Rx for 20 mg tablets to take once daily. Should I get an Epi pen ( not sure why not given this yet).
I am really concerned and am otherwise healthy-I take Omeprazole for GERD and Citalopram for Depression and stress. Thank you for an explanation.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. It is not likely that the flu shot has such a long lasting effect.

2. This seems to be an allergy.

3. The weird dream/ hallucination may be due to potentiation of the effects of escitalopram by other medication such as omeprazole.

4. The decision to provide an Epipen should be left to the treating physician. The severity of the tongue swelling and the amount of obstruction to breathing will be the deciding factors.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (8 minutes later)

Thank you for the information. I will add that it only occurs during my sleep and never in the daytime. Also that flu shot was the only event that occurred out of my normal routine. I have never experienced this prior to that shot. Could it have been a preservative from that? I did receive flu shots while in XXXXXXX with no problems and the above occurred in Southern New XXXXXXX I do have allergies to Aspirin and Penicillin but nothing else I am aware of.
Are you saying that the 2 meds I take should not be given together?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Even if you have been sensitized to a preservative, repeated exposure is required to elicit an allergic response.

2. People who have egg allergy are known to have reactions to flu shots.

3. Get your blood tests for allergy and food intolerance done.

4. Escitalopram and Omeprazole should not be taken together as far as possible.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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