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

Question

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?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Swelling of the upper lip, puffiness of cheeks, and sudden onset of fever suggest more like an allergic reaction (angioedema).
I will be glad if I have the following information.
Have you noted any breathing difficulty or noisy breathing and any skin rashes?
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?
It will be better if you could send a picture.
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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.