14 Common Causes of Swollen Lips

There are several reasons that you might wake up one day or simply be going about your everyday business and notice that your lips are suddenly swollen. Swelling in any part of the body occurs when there is underlying inflammation or if fluid builds up underneath the skin. In the case of your lips swelling, the cause may be a simple injury or an allergic reaction to something that you came into contact with.

If you are experiencing swollen lips and do not know the underlying cause, it is a good idea to seek medical attention right away. Swollen lips are often caused by something minor, but in some instances, it can be a sign of something more life-threatening, which is why it is important to make sure that you seek medical attention for this condition. Here are 14 common causes of swollen lips to consider. 

1. Allergic Reaction

Perhaps one of the most common causes for your lips to swell is an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction may be caused by many different things, including fabric, food, or some other benign substance. An allergic reaction to a substance may show up within seconds of your lips being in contact with the substance, or it could take a few minutes or even hours.

If you have recently used a product on your lips or if you have eaten a new type of food and your lips start to swell, there is a chance that the swelling is a simple allergic reaction. Most of the time, this reaction is not life-threatening, and the swelling will go down within a few hours or a day or so. If you are experiencing other symptoms along with your lips being swollen, it is a good idea to seek medical attention.