What makes upper lip swell

The cheeks, eyelids, or one side of the scalp can also be the first area to swell. This swelling can disappear within a few hours or days, but it will become more severe when it reoccurs.

Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is possibly due to genetic factors, but it can also be a symptom of other conditions. A person with granulomatous cheilitis may experience symptoms such as sudden swelling in the upper lip, which can disappear within a few hours or days. The swelling may feel soft or firm, and there may also be lumps under the skin. The swelling may reoccur days after the first episode, but it may also return years after. Each time the swelling comes back, the lips may become more swollen, and episodes can last longer.

Swelling may eventually become permanent. The lips can become cracked and bleed as a result. Reddish brown scars will form on the lips after the cracks have healed, and over time, the lips will resemble the texture and consistency of hard rubber. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center , cheilitis glandularis more commonly affects adult males.

Injury to the upper lip can also cause swelling, as the lips have a rich blood supply. This also means that the lips will bleed a lot but heal quickly. If an injury in the area becomes infected, the lips may swell.

Infections can also cause the lips to feel warm and tender. A person should seek medical attention if the bleeding does not stop or if any symptoms of infection develop.

Treatments for Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome include corticosteroid injections, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics. Surgery and radiation therapy can help reduce very swollen lips. Treatment is not always necessary, however, as symptoms can improve by themselves.

That said, episodes can become more frequent and last longer without treatment. Treatment for cheilitis glandularis and granulomatous cheilitis can include surgery, antihistamines, antimicrobial medication, and corticosteroids.

However, treatment may not always be necessary. The treatment for OAS is similar to the treatment for pollen allergies. This may include antihistamines, epinephrine, and immunotherapy. There is no specific medication for OAS, however. The causes of upper lip swelling can vary. Rare conditions, allergies, and injuries are all possible causes. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved.

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Like Neutral. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause swollen lips. Any type of allergy can cause anaphylaxis, and it can happen within minutes or more than half an hour after encountering an allergen. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with an injection of epinephrine EpiPen.

If you know you have allergies , talk to your healthcare provider about getting a prescription for a portable epinephrine injection that you can carry with you. Make sure your close friends, coworkers, and family members know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and use epinephrine. The release of histamine can lead to classic allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy skin, and inflammation.

This inflammation may cause swollen lips. There are several types of allergies, and all of them can cause your lips to swell. You may have an allergic reaction to substances in the environment.

These are often unavoidable and include pollen, mold spores, dust, and pet dander. An allergist can help treat environmental allergies. Based on the results, they may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine. If your allergies are severe, you may need allergy shots. Food allergies are a common cause of swollen lips.

Many foods can trigger allergies, especially eggs, nuts, dairy and shellfish. If you experience swollen lips after eating a meal, keep a food diary and note any allergy symptoms you have. Insect bites or stings may also cause swollen lips. A quick-acting allergy medication, such as diphenhydramine Benadryl , can help reduce swelling and itching after an insect bite or sting. Drug allergies can also cause swollen lips. About 10 percent of people are allergic to this common antibiotic.

Other possible causes of drug allergies include other types of antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , and anticonvulsants. Shop OTC antihistamines for mild allergic reactions. Angioedema is a short-term condition that causes swelling deep under your skin. It can be caused by allergies, nonallergic drug reactions, or hereditary conditions. Angioedema symptoms usually last for 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor can help you determine the right medication based on the cause and severity of your angioedema.