A swollen lip grows over several hours after exposure to a trigger. It is possible to have no symptoms when you go to bed and wake up in a different condition. At times, the origin of a swollen lip may not be obvious, and you will need a health assessment to specify the cause and get treatment at an ER near you.
Symptoms and Signs of Swollen Lips
Swollen lips can be caused by various conditions, varying from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. Some of the most common symptoms and signs of lip swelling include:
- Redness and Pain
One of the first signs of swollen lips is that the lips appear red and inflamed. There may also be a burning or stinging sensation. The lips are likely to feel tender and painful to the touch. This swelling and irritation is often a reaction to an allergen or irritant.
- Blisters and Itchiness
In some cases, small blisters and bumps can develop on the lips and mouth area. It is common with conditions like cold sores. There may also be itching or tingling, especially with allergic reactions. Blisters and itchiness indicate the body’s immune response.
Causes of Swollen Lips
However, more often than not, swelling of the lips could be caused by one or many of these factors:
- Allergic Reactions
Allergies are the main cause of swollen lips. When your body comes in close contact with an allergen like insect bites, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, or wheat, fluid can grow underneath the skin layers and cause the lips to bulge.You may also generate swollen lips when taking hot spices, peppers, and medications like penicillin.Other allergy symptoms include rashes, itching, coughing, or wheezing. In severe reactions, you may develop anaphylaxis or angioedema, which is the swelling of the face, feet, and other body parts.Anaphylaxis, on the other hand, is a dangerous allergic reaction and should be treated with haste as it can be fatal. Seek emergency care immediately when you notice anaphylaxis symptoms like chest tightness, swelling of the airways, and difficulty breathing.Anaphylaxis develops in minutes after you come in contact with an allergen. Therefore, if you wake up with a swollen lip, chances are you don’t have anaphylaxis. However, it would be best to visit an ER near you immediately for an assessment.
- Trauma
Injuries and trauma not only cause swollen lips but could also cause deep cuts. When you get hit, blood will accumulate underneath the affected lip and cause swelling. The injuries can also result in bruises, which can lead to bleeding. You can manage minor cuts and lip injuries at home with remedies like a cold compress. However, if the bleeding lasts long, you need to seek urgent care at an emergency room for treatment.
- Skin Infections
Pimples are tender and small red pumps that can accumulate around the lip and cause it to swell. Herpes infections, cold sores, and blisters around the mouth can also be a cause.Sometimes, spending long hours under the sun without proper protection can cause your lips to crack and swell. Luckily, the sunburns cleared up in a few days.
- Dental Problems
Dental fixtures such as braces cause gum soreness and swelling on the lips a week after they are fixed. Additionally, an infection of the gums and mouth causes inflammation in the mouth and lips.
- Chemical Reactions
Certain chemicals found in cleaning products can cause burns, especially on sensitive skin like lips. Minor chemical burns characterized by red and swollen lips can be treated with a cold compress. But, if you develop blisters and breakouts, seek medical attention.
- Sunburn or Dry Lips
One of the most common causes of lip swelling is exposure to sunlight. The lips have very little melanin, making them prone to sunburn. Prolonged UV radiation exposure can burn the lips, damaging the skin cells and blood vessels. It causes redness, pain, swelling, blistering, and peeling. Dehydration also exacerbates dryness and irritation of the lips. When lips are dry and chapped, the cracked skin is more permeable to allergens and bacteria that can cause inflammation.
- Spicy Food
Eating spicy foods seasoned with chili peppers and other potent spices frequently leads to temporary swollen lips. The active compound capsaicin binds to pain receptors in the mouth, triggering the release of inflammatory neuropeptides that dilate blood vessels and cause fluid leakage, stinging, and swelling. These effects are temporary and subside after a few hours.
Swelling on One Side of the Lip
The causes mentioned above affect the entire lip, but the swelling may sometimes affect only one side. Cysts and injuries are common reasons for this type of injury.You may also develop other symptoms like drooping, excessive drooling, and trouble speaking, which are linked to Bell’s Palsy or stroke. Bell’s palsy is temporary, and it causes paralysis in the facial muscles. Though the condition is not life-threatening, you should still seek urgent treatment. Stroke, on the other hand, is dangerous, so call 911 immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
How to Get Rid of a Swollen Lip Overnight
If you’re suffering from a swollen lip, several natural home remedies can provide relief and reduce swelling quickly. Here are some of the most effective ways to get rid of a swollen lip overnight:
- Use a Cold Compress
Applying something cold, like an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables, can minimize inflammation and swelling. Wrap the cold item in a towel and hold it against the affected lip for 10-15 minutes several times a day. The cold helps constrict blood vessels and reduces fluid buildup.
- Baking Soda
Creating a gooey paste with baking soda and water and applying it to the swollen lip can help dry out blisters and reduce swelling. Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of baking soda provide relief.
- Cucumber and Aloe Vera
These natural ingredients have soothing and cooling properties that can alleviate swollen lip symptoms. Cut fresh cucumber into slices and hold against the lips for 10 minutes. Pure aloe vera gel can also be applied several times a day.
- Try Herbal Remedies
Herbs like chamomile, peppermint, calendula, and licorice root can lessen inflammation when applied topically or taken orally in teas. They contain compounds that inhibit swelling.
Treatment Options
- Several treatment types are available to help you ease the pain, and they include:
- Cold compression and an ice pack can reduce inflammation. However, don’t apply the packs directly to the skin to prevent bruising and further damage.
- Aloe Vera can help with sunburns.
- The moisturizing lotion works great for dry and cracked skin.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs help alleviate inflammation, swelling, and bruises on the lips.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Lips
In some cases, swollen lips warrant medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to seek professional care:
- Emergency Situations:Signs of a severe allergic reaction, like angioedema, require emergency care. Symptoms include extreme swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue, hives, dizziness, trouble breathing, and fainting. These are indications of anaphylaxis and can be fatal.
- Persistent or Severe Symptoms:If lip swelling does not improve within a day or two or is accompanied by intense pain, redness, or pus/discharge, it’s best to see a doctor. They can correctly diagnose and treat the condition, especially if it’s an infection that requires antibiotics or antiviral medication.
Diagnosis and Professional Care for Chronic Swollen Lips
For recurring lip swelling or chronic conditions, doctors can perform diagnostic tests and provide medical treatments to address the root cause:
- Methods of Diagnosis
Doctors will take a medical history and examine the lips. They may order blood tests, allergy skin tests, or biopsy to determine if an autoimmune disorder, allergic reaction, or another condition causes swelling. Imaging tests can reveal issues with salivary glands.
- Medical Interventions
Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe steroid creams, antihistamines, antiviral medication, or immune-modulating drugs. Botox injections can help reduce swelling. Severe angioedema may require an epinephrine auto-injector. Identifying triggers and making dietary changes can also help manage chronic lip swelling conditions.Regular follow-ups allow doctors to monitor swelling and adjust treatment plans. Proper diagnosis and care improve the prognosis and prevent complications of swollen lips.
When to See the Doctor
Swollen lips clear up within 24 hours with home remedies. However, visit our emergency room in Abilene if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or if it is an allergic reaction.
