HomeAnswersPediatricsangioedemaMy son has swelling on face. Is that due to teething or allergy?

What causes swelling on the face in a 17-month-old?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 5, 2016
Reviewed AtApril 25, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son is 17 months old. He has a swollen upper lip on the inside of his mouth. It is not pus filled, just swollen. Both cheeks are puffed up because of the swelling. The swelling started overnight. Also, he has a fever. One side of the molar came out. Is this because of teething or an allergic reaction?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  1. Swelling of the upper lip, puffiness of cheeks, and sudden onset of fever suggest more like an allergic reaction (angioedema).
  2. I will be glad if I have the following information.
  3. Have you noted any breathing difficulty or noisy breathing and any skin rashes?
  4. Did this happen following any particular food intake or any contact with the material for the first time or any medication? Has it happened earlier?
  5. It will be better if you could send a picture.
  6. My suggestion is that if he has any difficulty breathing and abdomen pain, then please see your pediatrician as early as possible. He may need anti-allergic medications if it fits with an allergy on evaluation.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

There are no breathing issues and no rashes too. He had nothing different, except a gulab jamun last night. He got his hands on my cigarettes the day before yesterday and bit into one, but we caught him immediately and washed his mouth out. This is the first time this has happened to him. Sorry doctor, it is difficult to get him open his mouth enough to get a picture.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you very much for the information.

1. Itdoes not seem like allergy, though it cannot be ruled out.

2. It is more like a local problem. If it is still persisting or has increased, please ask your family pediatrician to have a look at it and take it from there.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

This morning I have noticed swelling on one side of his face and he is not in pain. Could this be because of a new molar? It looks as if one tooth started to pop out.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

1. Yes, it is a possibility when it is only on one side of the face. But, unlikely to occur if it is a normal eruption unless the tooth is impacted or there is some infection.

2. Then, he will develop some pain and fever. But, it is very difficult and not a right one to comment without having seen it.

3. I recommend you to see your pediatrician if he develops pain or fever. Your pediatrician will ask you to see a dentist if there is impacted or infected tooth.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vijaykumar Mundeshi
Dr. Vijaykumar Mundeshi

Child Health

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