{"id":12828,"date":"2020-04-07T07:58:23","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T07:58:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12828"},"modified":"2021-07-02T17:39:35","modified_gmt":"2021-07-02T17:39:35","slug":"14-common-causes-of-swollen-lips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-common-causes-of-swollen-lips\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Causes of Swollen Lips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. 
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1. Allergic Reaction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps one of the most common causes for your lips to swell is an allergic reaction<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. 
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2. Genetics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some rare conditions that a person may inherit that might cause your lips to swell periodically. One example is hereditary angioedema. This hereditary disorder causes a person’s lips to swell from time to time. In this type of case, a person is born without some of the proteins being produced in the body. These proteins are important when it comes to maintaining the blood vessel<\/a> walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When these proteins are not present, it can cause the lips and the mouth to swell as the blood vessel walls break down or are simply not as strong as they should be. If you are noticing that your lips swell periodically, it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. It could be the sign of an underlying health issue. People who suffer from a genetic disorder may simply have to live with swollen lips at certain times. 
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3. Tumors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of growths that may lead to your lips starting to swell. These growths may be cancerous or non-cancerous. Some growths are benign <\/a>and simply start as a blockage in the salivary glands. These types of growths will typically go away on their own as the blockage works its way out. Some cancers occur in the mouth that may cause the lips to swell as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that may cause a person to experience swelling of the lips as well as other painful irritations in the mouth. If you are suffering from swollen lips and experiencing other pain, it is important to see your doctor right away to help determine the cause. A proper diagnosis is essential when it comes to getting the proper treatment started right away. 
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4. Infections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Several bacterial, viral, and yeast infections might cause the lips to become irritated and begin to swell. If you get any type of infection <\/a>that causes you to become ill, you may notice that your lips become swollen as well. People who have compromised immune systems may also experience swelling in their lips on occasion when their bodies are attempting to fight off any type of infection that they might get. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are feeling ill and notice swelling in your lips or any other area of your body, it is a good idea to go to your doctor to find out the underlying cause. Some infections may be cured through the use of antibiotics or other medications. If the infection is viral, you may just have to wait until your body fights off the virus. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of action for whatever type of infection you might have. 
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5. Dentures and Orthodontic Devices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have braces or other orthodontic devices, and anyone who wears dentures are at a bigger risk of noticing that their lips have become swollen. Dentures that do not fit right may cause the lips to swell as the dentures might rub up against them in spots. Braces can also irritate the gums, which can cause swelling <\/a>in the lips. Also, people who have dentures or orthodontic devices are at a higher risk of getting infections in their mouths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wear and tear on the gums from these devices can cause irritation and swelling. When the gums are irritated, they are more susceptible to infections. Bacteria can also remain on the gums as brushing can be more difficult when wearing an orthodontic device. Dentures that are not cleaned properly and placed back in the mouth may also allow bacteria to creep into the gums and mouth, which may cause the lips to swell. 
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6. Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many irritants, such as high winds, cold air, and even lip licking, which might cause the lips to become inflamed and swollen. If you live in an area that gets cold throughout the winter and you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may notice that your lips are dry and cracked. If you do not use any type of medication <\/a>or protection on your lips, this might cause your lips to swell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is natural to lick your lips when they start to feel dry. If you lick your lips and then go out into cold weather, it can cause your lips to start to crack. This cracking may also start to bleed, and this can cause an infection. Once again, an infection in your lips might result in your lips becoming swollen. Using natural products to protect your lips can help reduce the swelling. 
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7. Cosmetics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you use cosmetics <\/a>and notice that your lips are swelling, the makeup that you are using could be the cause. Makeup such as lip balm, lipstick, and lip gloss, can all irritate your lips if it is used too often. Also, there may be something in one of these products that you are allergic to, which would cause the lips to swell as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have recently started using different products on your lips and you notice that they are looking more swollen than normal, try not to use the products for a few days to see if the swelling goes down. If you use new products and have lip swelling and also have a sore throat, swelling in other areas, and develop a rash, it is important to get medical care as soon as possible as you could be having a severe allergic reaction. 
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8. Trauma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common reasons a person might experience a swollen lip is from a trauma<\/a>. People who play sports are likely to have a swollen lip at some point during their athletic careers. If you get hit with a baseball, soccer ball, or any type of athletic equipment, chances are pretty high that you are going to suffer from a fat lip. The trauma to the face will cause the lip to become swollen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The blood vessels and the skin that surround the lip are tender and more prone to bruising. This tender area cannot handle even a small hit without some type of noticeable bruising or swelling. If you have been hit in the mouth with anything, there is a good chance that your lips are going to swell. Using ice in the area can help reduce the swelling and might decrease the amount of time it takes to heal. 
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9. ACE Inhibitor Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, or another ailment that affects your heart, the chances are that you will be prescribed an ACE Inhibitor. These are medications that are used to treat or improve some of the symptoms that might be caused by one of these illnesses. In some cases, these types of drugs may cause an allergic reaction in a patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The allergic reaction caused by the use of an ACE inhibitor may become life-threatening. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction<\/a> include swollen lips and face, shortness of breath, swollen tongue, and difficulty swallowing. If you are experiencing these symptoms and are using an ACE inhibitor, you should seek medical attention right away. These symptoms can be life-threatening, which is why it is important to go to the hospital. An allergic reaction from these medications will not cause you to experience hives or any type of rash.\u00a0
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10. Angioedema<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Angioedema is an allergic reaction. This condition might cause a person to experience puffiness and swelling in the face, tongue, mouth, genitals, or hands. Most of the time, this condition is related to an allergic reaction to insect bites, medicines, or food. This condition is not very common, and there are only a few people who may react in this way when they are allergic to something that they eat or are bitten by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the other symptoms that are associated with angioedema include vomiting or nausea<\/a>, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. If you notice that you have swelling in your face and hands and are experiencing some of these other symptoms as well, it is important to seek emergency medical care. The symptoms of angioedema can become life-threatening if they are not treated right away. It is a good idea to keep a list of everything that you were in contact with before the symptoms started.\u00a0
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11. Hypothyroidism<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism <\/a>occurs when the thyroid is not producing enough hormones. When the thyroid is not as active as it should be, it can cause several health issues. Hypothyroidism will cause the metabolism of the body to slow down. Several health conditions might cause a person to experience hypothyroidism. Surgery and radiation treatments might cause the thyroid to slow down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autoimmune diseases, medications, and pregnancy are some other common causes of hypothyroidism. Some of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, feeling cold all the time, fatigue, depression, and a slower heart rate. People suffering from hypothyroidism may also notice that their faces and lips become swollen. This may be because of the weight gain associated with this disease. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will likely prescribe a daily medication for you to take that will help with the symptoms. 
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12. Anaphylaxis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once again, swelling of the lips might be caused by an allergic reaction. One quite dangerous allergic reaction is a condition called anaphylaxis. If a person is diagnosed with anaphylaxis<\/a>, it can be quite dangerous. During this type of reaction, two immune cells are activated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are basophils and mast cells. When both of these cells are activated, they will release many inflammatory substances. This can cause the blood vessels to dilate and then become leaky. This can cause a person to experience low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is just as dangerous as high blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a person has low blood pressure, their body is not getting enough blood pumped to the areas of the body that need it. If you have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis, it is important to take it seriously. Any allergic reaction can cause difficulty breathing, swollen face, swollen lips, and difficulty swallowing. Seek emergency medical attention right away. 
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13. Autoimmune Disorders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person has a compromised immune system<\/a>, it puts them more at risk of developing other illnesses and diseases. Some autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Crohn’s disease may cause a person to experience sores in their mouths during a flare-up of the condition. In addition, a person with one of these conditions may also notice that their lips become swollen, and it may become difficult to talk when the flare-up is especially bad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, there are many different symptoms that you may experience throughout your battle with the condition. You should discuss all of the symptoms that you experience with your doctor. At times, a simple change to your medications may be able to help reduce the number of flare-ups that you experience and lower some of the symptoms that you might be experiencing. 
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14. Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, ACE inhibitors are a type of medication that might cause a person to experience an allergic reaction that results in their lips, mouth, and face being swollen. Other medications might cause a person to experience lip swelling as well. Calcium channel blockers may cause a person to experience mild lip swelling and redness<\/a>. Some patients may experience an adverse reaction to a new prescription medication that they have started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have recently started on any type of new medication and you experience swelling of any kind, especially in the face, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor right away. This could be an allergic reaction that is mild at first, but it could be a sign of something worse. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor is the best way to ensure your overall health and safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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