What are Swollen Lips?

Swollen lips result from inflammation or fluid buildup under the skin, triggered by various factors like minor skin issues or severe allergies. Learn about causes, symptoms, and when emergency care is necessary.

Swollen lips, or lipedema, occur when inflammation causes enlargement of one or both lips. Various disorders, illnesses, infections, inflammation, trauma, or even malignant tumors can lead to this swelling.

Depending on the cause, lip swelling may be brief and go away quickly, for example, when you have sunburned and chapped lips. Lip swelling that develops over time and is accompanied by additional symptoms may be a sign of widespread infection or inflammation.

Since swollen lips can be a sign of a life-threatening illness, such as an anaphylactic reaction, see an emergency doctor if you experience swelling of the lips accompanied by difficulty in breathing, hives, rash, severe distress, fever, and redness or heat.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

Swollen Lip Causes or Reasons

Allergies That Cause Swollen Lips:

  • An allergic reaction by the immune system occurs when the body responds negatively to a particular substance.
  • When a person has an allergic reaction, specific cells in the body produce and release a chemical known as histamine.

People can be allergic to a lot of things, but some common allergies that can cause lip swelling include:

Environmental Allergies

  • Environmental allergies are allergic reactions to substances in the environment.
  • Common allergies include pollen, mold spores, dust, and animal dander.
  • Signs of an ecological allergy include:
  • Swelling of the lips and other areas of the body
  • Wheezing
  • Urticaria
  • To sneeze
  • A stuffy nose
  • Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, an individual may often treat the allergy with an over-the-counter antihistamine. In more severe cases, a person may be given a series of allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, to help the body get used to the allergens.

Food Allergies

  • The ACAAI reports that between 4 and 6 percent of children and about 4 percent of adults have a food allergy.
  • Allergies occur in families, but it is impossible to predict whether a parent will pass an allergy on to their child.
  • About 90% of food allergies involve the following foods:
    • Eggs
    • Milk
    • Peanuts and nuts
    • Fish and shellfish
    • Wheat
    • Soy

In addition to swollen lips, the ACAAI lists the following symptoms of food allergies:

The primary way to deal with a food allergy is to avoid the food that triggers it. This may involve carefully reading labels and asking questions about restaurant ingredients.

A dietitian or nutritionist can often advise you on the best course of action for a specific allergy diet.

Other Allergies

  • Insect bites, stings, and allergies to specific medications can also cause the lips to swell.
  • Some people are allergic to certain medications, with antibiotics, especially penicillin, being the primary culprit.

Other common symptoms of a penicillin allergy include:

  • Rashes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Urticaria
  • Wheezing
  • Swelling of the tongue or face
  • Feel sick
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

If a person experiences these symptoms after taking a medicine containing penicillin, they should immediately stop taking it and consult their doctor. Other drug options are often available.

Other drugs that can cause an allergic reaction that may be like this include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants, and drugs associated with chemotherapy.

Anaphylaxis

  • Serious allergic reactions can present as an acute allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. When anaphylaxis is severe, a person can have an anaphylactic shock.
  • This reaction can be dangerous and, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), even fatal. Some people may not even realize that they are allergic to something until they have anaphylaxis.
    • The AAAAI lists five groups of symptoms of anaphylaxis:
    • Breathing: Wheezing, tight throat, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, stuffy nose.
    • Circulation: Pale or blue skin, weak pulse, dizziness, low blood pressure.
    • Skin: Hives, swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash.
    • Stomach (abdomen): Nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea.
    • Others: Symptoms include anxiety, a headache, and itchy red eyes.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment. The first course of action is to inject a dose of epinephrine, for example, through an EpiPen, and then go to the emergency room.

Other Causes of Swollen Lips

Aside from allergies, some other things can cause lip swelling. These include:

Angioedema

  • This is usually a short-term condition that occurs when there is swelling under the skin.
  • It often occurs as an unwanted side effect of a drug or in response to a trigger that causes an allergy.
  • Angioedema often affects the lips and other parts of the body, including:
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Around the eye
  • Language
  • Genitals
  • Angioedema is not considered a severe disease and will usually go away on its own within a few days.
  • If an allergy causes angioedema, an antihistamine is the usual method of swollen lip treatment.
  • If a medication causes it, a person may need to stop the current treatment and see their doctor for an alternative.

Injuries

  • Minor cuts, sores, and lacerations to the lips can cause them to swell. The lips have a rich blood supply and are, therefore, prone to swelling.
  • To treat lip injuries, clean the area and stop any bleeding with a clean cloth or bandage. It is also possible to reduce the swelling by applying an ice pack to the affected area.
  • If the injury is large, caused by an animal bite, extremely painful, or shows signs of infection, the person should seek the help of a healthcare professional.

Rare Medical Conditions

  • Granulomatous cheilitis is a rare disease that can cause swelling of the lips.
    • Miescher-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a recurring and lasting swelling of one or both lips (granulomatous cheilitis) with facial muscle weakness and a cracked tongue. There is no known cause, although genetics could be a factor.

Both conditions can usually be treated with prescription medication, although sometimes surgical reduction may be necessary. If there is an underlying cause, treatment should address it.


Swollen Lip Treatment

  • Depending on the reason for the swelling, medical treatment may be needed. If you have swelling because of angioedema, epinephrine is usually recommended.
  • It is safer to take a single-use syringe and the medicine with you in an emergency.
  • If an inflammatory condition is causing the swelling, your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory drug that does not contain steroids (NSAIDs) or a corticosteroid to reduce the swelling. NSAIDs can also help if the swelling is because of an injury.
  • If there is an injury, if there is a lot of swelling and bleeding, the doctor will probably clean and heal your wound. Sewing the cut may not be an option. But medical treatment is necessary for such swelling of the lips.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

When to see a Doctor?

  • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe signs such as difficulty breathing or heavy bleeding.
  • Consult a physician if swelling persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by pain or fever, or if its cause is unclear.

How to Cure Swollen Lips With Home Remedies?

  • Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the swollen lips can help reduce inflammation in the lips and soothe discomfort.
  • Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate swelling and promote healing when applied to the lips.
  • Honey: Honey has natural healing properties and can be applied to swollen lips to reduce inflammation in the lipsand moisturize the skin.
  • Cucumber Slices: Placing chilled cucumber slices on the lips can provide a cooling effect and help reduce swelling due to its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Coconut Oil: Applying coconut oil to swollen lips can help moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
  • Tea Bags: Applying cooled tea bags, mainly green tea, to swollen lips can help reduce inflammation in the lips and promote healing due to the presence of antioxidants and tannins.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep the body hydrated and aid in reducing lip swelling caused by dehydration or allergic reactions on lips.
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are my lips suddenly swollen?

Sudden lip swelling can be caused by various factors, including allergic reactions to food, medications, or environmental triggers, insect bites or stings, infections, or injury.

2. How long does a swollen lip last?

If you develop a burst or cut lip from an accident or injury, the healing process can vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the lip sore. If the swelling does not improve within 48 hours, or if your lip continues to bleed excessively, you may need to see a doctor.

3. Will swollen lips go away?

Anyone with swollen lips should see a doctor if they have severe signs, such as those associated with anaphylaxis. However, most cases of swollen lips do not require emergency care and often go away on their own within a few days.

4. Can liver problems cause lip swelling?

In renal and hepatic insufficiency, the swelling of the lips is usually isolated, inconspicuous, and less severe. It is difficult to diagnose without a complete physical examination. Lip enlargement in these cases requires causal treatment. One of the most serious enlargements of the lips occurs in acromegaly.

5. Can kissing cause swollen lips?

Yes, kissing can potentially cause swollen lips due to allergic reactions to substances transferred through saliva, as well as friction or minor injuries from intense kissing.

6. What causes swelling in the lips?

Causes of swollen lips include allergies, insect bites, infections like cold sores, or irritants such as spicy foods or lip products.

7. What allergies cause swollen lips?

Allergic reactions on lips can result from foods, medications, or substances like pollen, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Whats app Health Packages Book an Appointment Second Opinion