Infections or abscesses in the teeth or gums can cause swelling in the face, particularly around the jaw and cheeks, as the body responds to the infection.
As well as hives or swelling of the cheeks, lips, or eyes, an insect bite may cause tingling mouth and in more severe cases, nausea and vomiting.
When the body is allergic to something it releases histamines. The histamines can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in facial tissues.
Sinusitis is an uncomfortable condition where the inside of the sinuses becomes inflamed, leading to an over-production of mucus.
Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those during pregnancy or menstrual cycles, can cause fluid retention and swelling in the face.
Raise your hand if you dread allergy season! Exposure to allergens like pollen, year-round allergens such as pet dander, or certain foods can trigger facial swelling.
The first signs of tooth abscess include heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, and swelling of the gum where that tooth is in the mouth.
Cellulitis is a deep infection. It usually affects the hands and legs, but it can also develop around the eyes and mouth. It requires medical treatment to prevent complications.
Venom or saliva from insect bites can cause localized swelling and inflammation. This is due to the body's immune system response to the foreign substances introduced by the bite.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It can lead to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area, including the face.
Inflammation of the sinuses can lead to swelling around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, often accompanied by pain and pressure.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, giving the white of the eye a pink appearance, happens due to a common condition called conjunctivitis.
Thyroid hormones control many of the body's key functions, including temperature, breathing, and heart rate. Thyroid issues cause a range of symptoms, whether there is too little (hypo) or too much (hyper) thyroid hormone being produced.
Hypothyroidism can cause facial swelling as a result of reduced metabolism and fluid retention in the body's tissues. In contrast, hyperthyroidism, when excessive amounts of thyroid hormone are produced, can cause swelling, bulging eyes, and flushing.
Conjunctivitis is caused by increase swelling and blood flow to the slera (white) of the eye, but this can also cause secondary swelling around the eyes and eyelids.
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration and subsequent fluid retention, causing puffiness and swelling in the face.
Physical injury to the face, such as a blow or fall, can cause swelling due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. It's a normal part of the healing process.
Skin inflammation caused by allergic reactions, irritants, or autoimmune conditions can result in facial swelling, redness, and itching.
Sleep apnea is a disorder where sufferers stop and start breathing while sleeping. It can cause a number of health problems including high blood pressure and heart trouble.
This sleep disorder can cause fluid retention and swelling in the face, particularly around the eyes, due to repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
Lack of essential nutrients, such as protein, can lead to fluid imbalance and swelling in the face as the body struggles to maintain proper fluid distribution.
Blockage in the lymphatic system can cause fluid buildup and swelling in various body parts, including the face, due to impaired lymph drainage.
This kidney disorder causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine, leading to fluid retention and swelling, particularly noticeable in the face and around the eyes.
Swelling of parotid glands, i.e. the glands that produce saliva, located on either side of the face just below the ears, is one of the first symptoms of mumps.
This infection of the salivary glands leads to swelling in the cheeks and jaw area. It can cause pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing.
Although it's a fairly rare disorder, Cushing's syndrome is caused by a problem with the body's production of cortisol.
Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, leading to characteristic facial swelling known as "moon face," along with other symptoms like weight gain and high blood pressure.
Kidney diseases can lead to fluid retention and swelling in various parts of the body, including the face, due to the kidneys' reduced ability to filter and eliminate fluids.
Some types of medications, in particular corticosteroids, blood pressure drugs, and NSAIDs, can cause facial swelling as a side effect.
Sources: (Mayo Clinic) (Web MD) (Healthline) (MedlinePlus) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: A guide to Chinese face mapping
It's not out of the ordinary to have a puffy face from time to time. But if it seems as though you wake up every single morning with a fuller face, there might be an underlying cause or issue. Sometimes it's obvious—perhaps you've been stung by an insect, or you have a toothache—whereas, in other instances, the cause can be a bit more mysterious.
Curious? Click on the gallery to discover the potential reasons why your face looks swollen.
The potential reasons why your face looks swollen
What you need to know about a swollen and puffy face
HEALTH Puffiness
It's not out of the ordinary to have a puffy face from time to time. But if it seems as though you wake up every single morning with a fuller face, there might be an underlying cause or issue. Sometimes it's obvious—perhaps you've been stung by an insect, or you have a toothache—whereas, in other instances, the cause can be a bit more mysterious.
Curious? Click on the gallery to discover the potential reasons why your face looks swollen.