There are a lot of things that can make your face swell. The most common seem to involve the eyes. The tissue around them is delicate, making them a prime candidate for problems. More serious things, such as mumps or mono can also cause facial swelling. Here are a few problems and possible solutions:
Crying: This can cause your eyes to become red, even around the rim. The lower lid often puffs up, and everyone can see that tears have flowed. There are two ways to help reduce the swelling. One is a cool, damp cloth and the other slices of cucumber. You can use the same method for tired eyes.
Allergies: You can try lemon balm and/or eucalyptus (internally) to bring swollen sinuses and itchy, watery eyes under control, but you may need some form of antihistamine. A cool, damp cloth can also help here, though I don’t recommend the cucumber.
Sinus Infection: Unless it is severe or has been going on for a long time, most doctors don’t like to prescribe antibiotics for this problem. Simple home remedies often suffice. Garlic, either in food, supplement or both, can be very beneficial. Steam is another great help.
Shower steam is one method, but a quarter cup of vinegar brought to boil in a cup and a half of water may do better. Do remember to turn the fire out before breathing the steam to avoid burns. If there is a cough from post nasal drip, a syrup of equal parts honey and lemon may help.
Mumps: This is a serious disease, and unfortunately, it may be due for a comeback. The reason is that a minimum of ten percent of parents aren’t vaccinating their children. Some are trying to skip all vaccines and others are not following the schedule.
If your child gets this or any other childhood illness, it is not the time for home treatment. You’ll need a doctor’s diagnosis and special instructions. If you suspect mumps, be sure to notify the doctor’s office in advance.
In order to prevent the spread, you and your child will be isolated from the rest of the waiting room. If you aren’t up to date on your own shots, you may need to have one, as will anyone else in your home. Quarantine is not out of the question. I urge you to get your children vaccinated and to keep your own up to date.
Mono: One of the symptoms of this disease is swelling in the glands around and under the jaw. There are other symptoms, including fatigue, that can indicate this problem. Like mumps, this is a serious condition that requires a doctor’s care. Mono is contagious, but not usually through the air. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to recover, and that may require at least some hospitalization.
Injuries: Some facial injuries are mild and need little more than ice and time. However, any time an injury involves the eye, the nose or the mouth, it may require help from a doctor. The bones around the eye can be broken, which can endanger the eye itself. A broken nose may need to be packed in order to stop bleeding, and mouth injuries may need to be seen by a dentist in case teeth were damaged.
Facial swelling is usually not a major problem. However, there are times when it can be. If you think the problem is serious, go ahead and see your doctor. The doctor would rather you come in and not need medical help than stay home and potentially make matters worse.