What Causes Swelling Of Cheeks And Neck Area?

Posted on Tue, 3 Mar 2015

Question: After a stressful year I find When I get emotional & cry really hard my body seems to swell particuarly face & hands. The swelling subsides after few days. What is this? Attached are some swelling pics & some normal

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Angioedema Possibly

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, the symptoms you are describing does fit into Angioedema. Although i cant find the pictures you have mentioned. But do let me know a few more queries about it and attach the pictures along as well in the next message.

1. Did these episodes happen in childhood as well?

2. Does these episodes get triggered by any trauma or injury?

3. Anyone in your family experienced similar episodes?

4. Any difficulty in breathing or swallowing during the episode?

5. Any stomach pain associated?

6. Any history of other symptoms like rash/oral ulcers/dry eyes/dry mouth?

Do let me know these queries. Would be happy to help you out.

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (5 hours later)

1. No they just started this year 2. No physical trauma just if I cry hard 3.not that I know of 4. No difficulty swallowing or breathing but heart rate does increase 5.no stomach issus 6 no. I do have mitral valve prolapss

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
? Angioedema

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for your reply

Well i have seen your pics and there is a considerable difference. The neck and the cheeks do get swollen.It probably looks like Angioedema, meaning the swelling of eyelids and neck and at times the throat and intestines as well. The symptoms vary from person to person. It gets triggered by stress or trauma

I would recommend you visit a rheumatologist for it and get few of the blood tests done:

1. Complement C3, C4 levels
2. Complement C1q levels
3. C1 esterase levels

Any of the 3 deficiencies can trigger the episode. During the episode you can try anti allergics, but if it is happening too often you need to take some other medications for prophylaxsis.

Do read up on the condition and let me know if your symptoms fit into it

Hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (22 minutes later)

What would a deficiency mean

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Angioedema

Detailed Answer:
The Deficiency normally implies as the cause behind the disease we are suspecting. It is mostly congenital( which can present in 2nd or 3rd decade) or it can be acquired due to other autoimmune disorders.

Do let me know for more queries

Regards
Dr Naval

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj