Swollen lips can be caused by allergies, infections, trauma, sun exposure, and lip piercings. Treatment options include topical creams, ice, and antihistamines, but it’s important to consult a doctor if the cause is unknown or if the swelling is severe.
Common causes of swollen lip include allergic reactions, infections, and trauma. People who are sensitive to certain foods, such as peanuts, may experience swelling of the lips, as can those who are allergic to animal dander. Although in many cases, swelling of the lips is mild, in severe cases it can be associated with swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. Other causes for swollen lips include lipsticks containing products that intentionally “plump” the lips and lipstick allergies.
Lip piercings can also sometimes cause swollen lips. Oral tissues are very delicate and when something compromises that tissue, the inflammatory process can take over. Although the swelling of the lips caused by piercing is usually temporary, it can persist and even be related to an infected piercing. If this occurs, the person should see a doctor for piercing removal and antibiotic treatment. If treatment is delayed, the lip tissue may become permanently scarred.
Sometimes, the causes of swollen lip are related to sun exposure. Lips can get sunburned just like any other part of the body, and in addition to causing lips to swell, sunburn can also cause them to burn and peel. Other causes of swollen lip can also include cold sores, which is related to the herpes virus. Treatments for cold sores include topical cold sore creams and ointments, which can dramatically reduce symptoms of swollen lips, tingling, and itching.
Trauma to the oral cavity can also be one of the lesser known causes of swollen lip. Tooth extraction and other dental procedures not only cause inflammation inside the oral cavity, but also outside, including the lips and face. To resolve the swelling of the lips in these cases, you can use ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. The dentist should be consulted before taking these drugs because they can interfere with blood clotting and cause increased bleeding.
People prone to allergies and swollen lips can sometimes prevent symptoms by taking oral antihistamines. While antihistamines are effective in treating symptoms such as swollen lips, itchy throat and nose, and runny nose, they can cause serious side effects. These side effects include profound sleepiness, lack of coordination, decreased reflexes, and urinary retention. In addition, dry mouth, headaches and stomach discomfort may also occur. Also, people taking these drugs should be very cautious when driving a car.
When someone cannot determine the cause of their swollen lips, they should visit their doctor. The doctor will likely perform a physical exam, ask about personal and lifestyle habits, and take a detailed oral history from the patient. If necessary, he may recommend blood tests or even refer the patient to an allergy specialist, who may be able to determine whether the symptoms are related to the allergy.
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