How Long Does A Swollen Lip Last (And Why)?

Exact Answer: A Few Days To A Few Weeks

A swollen lip is a sign of inflammation. It can be accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, and swelling.

The most common cause of a swollen lip is an injury to the lips, such as a bruise or cut. Other causes include Allergies, infection (such as a cold sore), autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), drug reaction, or side effects.

If one has a swollen lip that doesn’t go away within a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, rash, joint pain, or difficulty breathing, they must see the doctor.

How Long Does A Swollen Lip Last?

A Swollen Lip is a condition where the fleshy part of the lips becomes enlarged and firm. There are many causes of a swollen lip, but the most common one is an injury to the lip. Other causes can include:

1. Allergies
2. Infections (such as cold sores, herpes, or impetigo)
3. Canker sores
4. Teething in infants
5. Food allergies
6. Treatment with prednisone or other corticosteroids drugs

How long it lasts can depend on the cause of the swelling, but generally, a swollen lip will go down within a few days. If the swelling is caused by an injury, such as a bite or a knock, the lip may take a little longer to return to its normal size. 

However, if the swelling is due to an infection or some other underlying condition, it may take longer for the lip to return to its normal size and condition. In any case, it’s important to see a doctor if the swelling persists for more than a few days.

One can do a few things to bring down a swollen lip. One can ice the lip to reduce swelling, take over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any pain, and try sucking on ice chips or drinking cold beverages. 

If the swelling is due to an injury, one should also clean the wound and cover it with a bandage. If the swelling persists or increases after 48 hours, seek medical attention.

Overall, one can bring down a swollen lip by applying ice to the area for about 10 minutes. Then, take ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling.

Why Would A Swollen Lip Last So Long?

A swollen lip could result from many things, such as an injury, infection, or allergic reaction. In most cases, the cause of the swelling can be determined by a doctor through a physical examination and some tests.

In some cases, a swollen lip may last for a long time if caused by an autoimmune disease. This can cause inflammation and swelling in these areas.

If the cause of the swollen lip is an allergic reaction, the swelling will likely go down once the person stops exposure to the allergen. If the cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu, the swelling will go down within a week or two. If the cause is a bacterial infection, such as herpes or cellulitis, one may need antibiotics to treat the infection and resolve the swelling.

A swollen lip can be a symptom of a food allergy. When one eats something that the body doesn’t agree with, their immune system kicks into gear and releases histamines to try to fight off the “invader.”

One of the side effects of histamines is that they cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to inflammation and swelling. In addition to a swollen lip, one might also experience itchy eyes, a runny nose, or hives. If a person has a food allergy, it’s better to see the doctor, which is the best solution.

Conclusion

Swelling of the lips can be caused by several factors, from common allergies to uncommon hereditary diseases. 

To figure out what is causing the swelling in the first place, consult the doctor to address or avoid it in the future. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil), will also be helpful. Make sure to avoid the foods that one is allergic to to avoid swollen lips.

References

1. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)61414-7/fulltext 
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0009922813488655?journalCode=cpja