Swollen Lips: An Allergic Reaction

Swelling of the lips, in most cases, is caused by an allergic reaction to an unknown component. Other symptoms of allergic reactions include tingling of the mouth, rash or hives. There are several allergens that could be causing reactions such as these. Among them are:

1. Physical Contacts: This could include hand detergents and lotions or something as simple as plant products or raw fish or vegetables. Sometimes even contact with animal saliva can cause an allergic reaction.

2. Stinging insects: If you have an allergy to bees, wasps or hornets, you might have localized reaction such as swelling of the lips or hands. If you have experienced a sting and are having allergic reactions, consult a physician immediately.

3. Drugs: Any new drug that you might be taking has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. The most common of these drugs are antibiotics, hormones, anti inflammatory drugs and even aspirin. Every time you begin new drug, prescription or over the counter, watch for allergic symptoms and contact your primary care physician if you are experience any swelling or itching.

4. Latex: Latex allergies are fairly common. Daily exposure to latex gloves, such as in a medical environment, can cause swelling of the lips and other areas. Most medical facilities have non-latex gloves available for use. If you are a patient at a doctor's office or hospital and suspect that you have a latex allergy, be sure to notify a nurse when you first arrive. Another common latex product is a balloon. If you are blowing up or handling balloons, and your lips begin to swell, you may indeed have a latex allergy.

5. Foods: Allergic reactions such as swollen lips usually occur within 30 minutes of when the food was digested. Common food allergies for children include allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and soy. For adults, watch for allergic reactions after eating fish, shellfish, peanuts and nuts.

The best method for diagnosing food allergy is to be assessed by an allergist. The allergist will review the patient's history and the symptoms or reactions that have been noted after food ingestion. If the allergist feels the symptoms or reactions are in keeping with a food allergy, he/she will perform allergy tests.

If you are experiencing allergic reactions, including swelling of the lips, the best way to diagnose an allergy is to see an allergist. There are two basic types of allergy tests that he/she might perform: a skin prick test and a blood test. Results are available in minutes after a skin prick test. It may be several days before you hear the results from a blood test. Either way, an experienced allergist will be able to determine exactly what you are allergic to and form a plan of treatment which may include avoidance of diets or exposure to the allergen or carrying an EpiPen at all times.