I Have Swelling Around My Eye or Upper Cheek
Swelling around your eye or upper cheek can be concerning. Here is what to know.
Swelling in this area can come from several sources. Most are not cancer, but the area needs careful evaluation.
- Common causes include:
- Sinus infection β the maxillary sinus (under the cheek) and ethmoid sinus (between the eyes) can cause swelling when infected
- Dental abscess β an infected upper tooth can cause swelling in the cheek and under the eye
- Allergic reaction β can cause rapid swelling around the eyes
- Orbital cellulitis β a serious infection of the eye socket, requires urgent treatment
- Dacryocystitis β infection of the tear duct near the inner corner of the eye
- Insect bite β swelling from a bite near the eye
- Salivary gland issue β the parotid gland extends to the cheek area
- Skin infection β boil or abscess on the cheek
- Sinus or nasal tumor β rare, but a mass can cause swelling as it grows
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Swelling that came with a sinus infection or toothache
- Painful, warm, red swelling (signs of infection)
- Improves with antibiotics or treatment
- Rapid onset (more likely allergic or infectious)
- Worth having checked:
- Painless, slowly growing swelling
- Swelling that is not improving with treatment
- Numbness in the cheek or upper lip
- Vision changes or double vision
- One-sided nasal congestion with the swelling
- Severe pain or fever
When to See a Doctor
- Seek urgent care if:
- You have vision changes or double vision
- You have severe pain around the eye
- You have a high fever
- You cannot move your eye normally
- See an ENT doctor if:
- Swelling is painless and growing slowly
- Swelling does not improve with treatment
- You have numbness in your face
- You have one-sided nasal congestion