Unraveling the Causes and Remedies for Swollen Lips

If you have ever suffered from a case of swollen lips or are facing it right now, you would know how uncomfortable it can be. Swollen lips can be a somewhat concerning and painful experience, often caused by various factors ranging from mild to severe. By knowing the causes of swollen lips, one can address the issue effectively and make use of the right remedy. In case medical attention is required, one may be able to seek prompt treatment too.

Causes and Remedies for Swollen Lips

We list down some common reasons for swelling of the lips and also mention the remedies you can make use of in each case.

Allergic reactions 

One of the most common reasons for swollen lips can be oral allergy syndrome (OAS). It can be triggered by certain foods which induce a tingling sensation in the month and lead to allergic inflammation. While such reactions may usually resolve within an hour without any remedy, other allergic reactions may be more serious. Swollen lips may also mean Angioedema, a more severe type of allergic reaction, which also swells up the face and other body parts along with the lips. In severe cases of angioedema, one may also face breathing difficulties. Hence, it is vital to consult a medical practitioner immediately who may prescribe the right medications.

Injuries

Physical trauma to the face or lips, whether due to hot food or direct impact, can also result in swelling of the lips. Minor cases can be managed with a cold pack and may probably resolve within a few days. However, if your lips have swollen due to a large cut or injury near them, it is ideal to seek prompt medical care.

Chapped or sunburned lips

This may seem surprising to some, but lips that have been exposed to excessive dry weather, wind or the sun for a prolonged period may become chapped and swollen. Licking your lips too often may also lead to them being chapped. To prevent lip swelling due to these reasons, it is important to avoid licking your lips or picking at the dry skin on them. Additionally, moisturising lip balms that have sun-protection properties can also be a great remedy for chapped and sunburned lips.

Infections

Sometimes, the presence of fungi, viruses, or bacteria may result in lip swelling. Another common reason for swollen lips is infected lip piercings. You can gauge the seriousness of the infection by looking at the other symptoms you may experience, such as fever, chills, pus drainage (from the swelling source), and so on. If your infection is indeed severe, you must consult a medical professional right away. The treatment for the infection might depend on what’s causing it.

Mucoceles

Mucoceles, or mucous cysts, can form on the inner lip surfaces as a result of lip injuries or biting. While they are not a severe health concern usually, they may lead to discomfort during eating, drinking or talking. Mucoceles may typically go away on their own. However, if you wish to, you can get them medically removed if they persist and interfere with your day-to-day activities. Thus, while some reasons for swollen lips may be minor and resolve on their own, others may require medical attention. Kindly note that the above information is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice regarding diagnoses or treatment of any kind. For a detailed understanding of swollen lips or other medical issues pertaining to your health, reach out to a medical practitioner. Taking care of swollen lips is one way of ensuring your overall health is up to the mark. Another way to do that is to have a health insurance policy.

Why You Should Have Health Insurance?

Here are some reasons to have a health insurance policy in place for you and your loved ones:

Support for medical emergencies*

General insurance plans like health insurance provide extensive financial support during medical emergencies. For instance, health insurance covers not just hospitalisation costs but also road ambulance charges, daycare procedures, organ donor expenses, maternity expenses, and so on.

Additional protection in the form of add-ons*

Health insurance coverage can be enhanced with the addition of add-ons. For example, some add-ons provide coverage for doctor consultations as well, which can help in the case of severe swelling of the lips. To know the premium of a health insurance plan with add-ons, use a health insurance calculator.

Peace of mind* 

Health insurance and other types of general insurance plans provide peace of mind. By providing financial support during tough situations, they ensure that individuals are better prepared to handle those situations without worrying about finances. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy. To buy a health insurance policy, click here.   *Standard T&C apply. Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.