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How Can Lip Swelling And An Irritated Throat Lump Be Treated?
Hello, last summer I developed a few symptoms together. My upper lip swelled in the front(no sore, just swelling and irritation), my throat is very red, bumpy and irritated, and three canker sores on the inside of my mouth. After a week or so the canker sores healed and went away. My throat was irritated and continued to look bumpy and red for a couple months. Then winter came. My lip has remained swollen for about 8 months now and with the season turning and warmer weather coming around my throat is irritated again. This all developed after I kissed someone however after visiting a std clinic, an urgant care providor, and my primary physician I was reassured by all three that it is not an std. I was told by one that it was a viral infection and would clear up in a week or two and my primary physician told me it was allergies. Any Ideas?
Thu, 7 Jul 2016
Hello,
I can understand your concern. Your symptoms do not suggest that you have any STD, thus you can stay relaxed about it.
Your symptoms suggests more towards a viral infection, but as your doctor suggested, if it is a viral infection, it should resolve on its own in about a week and only supportive therapy related to symptoms might be needed. The persistent swelling for about 8 months seems to be an allergic reaction to a substance that you use routinely.
However, in your case, it might be an allergic reaction along with the viral infection. I would recommend you to go for a blood test for allergy. It will suggest what substance you are allergic to so that you can avoid its exposure. After giving the blood for testing, you should start taking antihistamine such as Levocetrizine 5 mg (Levocet) or Loratidine 10 mg (Lorfast) once a day for about 10 days. If it will be an allergic reaction, the swelling should start to reduce or disappear.
If that does not happen, then you should visit a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for examination of the lip and further investigations directed directly towards the lip swelling. Based on the results, diaggnosis can be made and treatment can be advised.
I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HCM. I wish you feel better soon.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I can understand your concern. Your symptoms do not suggest that you have any STD, thus you can stay relaxed about it.
Your symptoms suggests more towards a viral infection, but as your doctor suggested, if it is a viral infection, it should resolve on its own in about a week and only supportive therapy related to symptoms might be needed. The persistent swelling for about 8 months seems to be an allergic reaction to a substance that you use routinely.
However, in your case, it might be an allergic reaction along with the viral infection. I would recommend you to go for a blood test for allergy. It will suggest what substance you are allergic to so that you can avoid its exposure. After giving the blood for testing, you should start taking antihistamine such as Levocetrizine 5 mg (Levocet) or Loratidine 10 mg (Lorfast) once a day for about 10 days. If it will be an allergic reaction, the swelling should start to reduce or disappear.
If that does not happen, then you should visit a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for examination of the lip and further investigations directed directly towards the lip swelling. Based on the results, diaggnosis can be made and treatment can be advised.
I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HCM. I wish you feel better soon.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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