What Causes Lip Swelling? How Is It Treated?

What causes lip swelling? How to recognize lip swelling caused by allergies? Let's see what can be done at home for lip swelling in our article!

Fluid or inflammation may accumulate in the lip tissue from time to time. This causes swelling of the lips. Sometimes swelling is observed in both lips, sometimes only in the upper or lower lip.

So what is sudden lip swelling and what does it mean? Let's examine this issue and treatment methods together in our article!

Lip Swelling Causes:

The accumulation of fluid or pus within lip tissue can cause swelling. Sometimes swelling occurs in both lips, while other times it may affect only the upper or lower lip

Sudden Lip Swelling:

Let's begin by explaining what sudden lip swelling is and what it signifies.

Lip swelling can be clearly observed externally by both the individual and others. However, in some cases, it can be caused by allergies or trauma. Additionally, lip swelling can be stress-induced in some individuals.

Lip swelling can be attributed to certain illnesses, infections, or tumors. In some cases, the cause is straightforward and resolves on its own.

Excessive exposure to sunlight on a sunny day can cause lips to dry and crack, leading to swelling. In this case, the lips usually return to normal within a few days. Sometimes, lip swelling can be as simple as this. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling.

However, in some cases, the cause of lip swelling can be a serious condition such as anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when various medications or foods trigger an allergic reaction in the body. It is a severe reaction, and immediate medical attention is required.

During anaphylactic shock, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, flushing, fever, and swelling of the face or tongue may also be observed. Therefore, if your lip swelling is accompanied by other allergic reactions and you don't feel well, you should seek medical attention quickly.

If lip swelling persists for two to three days and is accompanied by pain or bleeding, you should also consult a doctor.

Causes of Lip Swelling:

Here are some of the most common reasons for lip swelling

• Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the lips. Your allergy could be related to food, animals, pollen, or fabric. You can observe yourself and determine what triggers your allergy.
• If allergic reactions cause lip swelling along with symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling of the face or neck, fever, or swelling of the tongue, you should seek medical attention immediately.
• Some autoimmune diseases can also cause swelling in the lips. For example, during flare-ups of lupus, there may be swelling and sores in the mouth and lips.
• Both benign and malignant tumors can cause lip enlargement. Benign tumors usually do not cause pain and can resolve on their own. However, malignant tumors can cause pain or irritation in the lips. If the swelling in your lips does not go away within a certain period, you should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
• Some bacterial infections can cause swelling in the lips, often due to poor oral and dental hygiene. They can occur in people who use dentures or orthodontic appliances.
• Consuming hot and spicy foods can cause swelling in the lips for two to three hours.
• Swelling in the lips can occur due to edema during pregnancy.
• Rapid weight gain can cause swelling in the face and lips.
• Sudden trauma (hitting the lip, accidentally biting it) can cause lip swelling.
• Nose surgery, piercings, and some dental treatments can also cause lip swelling.

Lip Swelling Due to Stress:

Stress-induced lip swelling is also a common occurrence. Especially when a person is stressed and has habits like biting or chewing their lips, lip swelling can occur.

In such cases, it is recommended that the individual observe themselves during stressful times and try to break this habit. If the habit is severe, psychological treatment may be necessary.

How to Get Rid of Lip Swelling:

If you're wondering how to get rid of lip swelling, cold compress is the best option. However, depending on the cause of the swelling, different treatments may be applied. To prevent cracking in swollen lips, you can also apply lip balm.

Lips are quite sensitive, so they can be greatly affected by minor trauma. Cold compress application can be beneficial, especially for trauma-induced swelling.

If lip swelling is caused by allergies, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Your doctor will advise you to avoid allergens. In addition, you may need to take some medications. If you experience pain along with lip swelling, your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers.

If lip swelling is caused by bacterial infections, it can be treated with antibiotic medications. If the swelling is due to a tumor, surgical intervention may be necessary.

What Causes Allergic Lip Swelling and How to Get Rid of It?

If you're wondering what causes allergic lip swelling and how to get rid of it, it depends on the severity of the reaction. If your allergy is mild and your body does not react too strongly, the swelling will subside quickly.

However, if your allergy is severe, you need to go to the hospital. In emergency situations, quick intervention against allergies is performed in hospitals. In addition, your doctor may start you on medication.

If you suspect allergic lip swelling, you should go to the hospital to find out what caused your allergy. In some cases, allergic reactions can lead to serious health problems.