Hi..
Thanks for the query..

If the right side of face and lips is not swollen but just feels like it is swollen then it can be probably due to numbness..

Numbness can give you a sensation of swelling which is not exactly present..

If you are not able to close the lips also then it can be probably disturbed function of facial nerve causing Facial palsy or Bell's Palsy.

It can be due to nerve compression, trauma, viral infiltration of nerve, inflammation etc..

So my suggestion is to immediately consult an Emergency room and get evaluated as initial treatment with steroids and multivitamins can help in preventing the worsening of the symptoms as well as help in fast recovery..

So get a clinical examination and MRI Scan done for confirmation and get treated soon..

Hope this helps..

Regards..

**
Thanks for contacting with your health concern.

1. As there is a history of dribbling and inability to close the mouth, it could probably be Bell's palsy [LMN type of facial palsy] and because it is diagnosed clinically thus consult a Neurologist for relevant examination [testing of individual muscles of face] along with taste sensation, plantar response, corneal reflex and examination of respective or affected cranial nerve(s).

PS. Other causes which can mimic bell's palsy and thus have to be excluded are:
. Sarcoidosis.
- Parotid Tumor.
- Herpes zoster infection.
- Middle ear disease
- exposure to cold or chill predisposes to bell's palsy [so the history of traveling might be there]

2. If the causes mentioned are excluded then management followed is:

- eye padding and local antibiotic drop.
- proper mouthwash is advised after each meal.
- gentle massage over the paralyzed muscle is advised.
- Facial exercise is advised. [one may consult a Physiohterapist]
- parenteral vitamin B1, B6 and B12 may be given.

PS.
i. Bell's palsy usually recovers [70 - 80%] spontaneously within 2-12 weeks
ii. recently, Acyclovir is tried with proven results.
iii. If not improved at all- surgical decompression may be done.