Facial Problems, Noninjury

When To See a Doctor

You have answered Yes to:

Do you have facial swelling?


See significance of swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Red square with white cross logo

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a fever with redness, tenderness, and warmth around your eye?

Yes

Do you have sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, eyelids, or ears?

Yes

Did facial swelling begin after taking a medicine?

Note:

If you answer "Yes":

  • Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine immediately, before taking the next dose, to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be needed.
  • If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

Yellow telephone logo

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a red, painful area larger than 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter on your face?

Yes

Do you have pain on one or both sides of the face, along the jawline, or under your chin?

Yes

Do you have a toothache?


Green wait logo

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a red, painful area on your face that is increasing in size after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have a red, painful area on your face that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?


If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.



Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: May 15, 2007
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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