Throat & Tongue swollen on one side

blgraham · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

I have much of the same symptoms- unexplained for the past month- four reactions...swollen tongue, lips, mouth, throat, neck. Allergy tests reveal that I am allergic to no foods or pollen. Blood work for testing everything to my thyroid to a disorder called acquired angioedema all came back well w/in normal limits. All I'm told is to watch what I eat- how am I do to that when I don't know what's causing the reaction- and to keep my epi pen close- which is hard to do when the swelling is happen 6-10 hours after eating, usually overnight. What is this? Even the allergist is perplexed. With so many people w/ the same symptoms, how is it possible that no one can explain? I'm scared to go to sleep for fear that I will swell so much that I'll die in my sleep- my tongue and lips are easily 4 times their normal size. It's truly grotesque.

AlwaysSwelling · Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 1

I have been suffering these symptoms as well as a matter of fact, just this morning left side of tongue swelled and Benedryl took it away in about 3 hours. I am very glad to have read these postings and will share my story.

I first had these symptoms about 4 years ago. It started with my lip one night I could feel it growing with this tingling sensation and I continued to let it go to see if it would go away, I ended up going to emergency as my entire face below the cheeks was about 4 times its normal size,... too say the least it freaked me out. I have had batteries of tests Liver, pancrease, thyroid, went to ENT, Dermatologist, allergist to no avail...bottom line I had "acute edema". I went through every food and changed diet to find out it was an allergy. Nothing. Had syptoms early on where heels would swell, Genitals, arm, hands but most of that has not occurred for sometime it now seems throat (soft tissue of upper palat (Not a pleasant feeling but has not cut off airways), Lips, Tongue

After researching I did find one thing that was extremely interesting. I have never been allergic to anything, but before this started I had a Urinary Tract Infection and was treated with a Sulfate Drug Septra, also know as Bactrim (it was banned in the UK due to extreme side effects). I had a severe reaction to it, fevered and rashed severely, stopped taking it and remained fevered for two more days went back to doctor to get a new prescription. The symptoms all started about 2-3 months after this and I go through peaks and valleys with the symptoms. I try to take 24 hour reactine when I dont feel right, and for the most part it seems to work. But I do stop taking it to allow my system to work with out it. Can go weeks or months without symptoms sometimes. But seem to be getting less frequent.

No idea any more, and the doctors just don't seem to want to explore it...nor do they blame the drug, stating it was safe for use here in North America?

Coincident not sure but I am still researching.

Guest · Guest

Just last night, my wife had exact same symptom. We went to the ER, the doctor said my wife has alergic reaction to her blood pressure medication, Lisinopril. She has been taking Lisinopril for 9 years with no problem, but the doctor said, some people might go for several years like my wife before they show this reaction. They admited my wife to the hospital so they can monitor her for 24 hours before she can go home. Now, she needs to get a different kind of blood pressure medication.

Guest · Guest

I know this is a response to an old post but I hope it helps.

You can react to food items and other things you have been exposed to more than 6 hours later. 24 hours is even possible. I have been told to take no pain killers but Tylenol. Aspirin, Alleve, etc can be triggers. this was confirmed when I recently had surgery and was takin Percocet during recovery. 2 hours out of surgery and back into ER with swollen tongue. Keeping detailed diary can help. Detailed means spices... everything! There is also something called the Elimination Diet you go down to basic food them slowly add food one a week till you find it. They still don't know what causes mine. I have tested negative for all allergans. But I will keep you all posted. EPI pens can be a life saver don't spare the cost of getting one if you need it. benadryl will not always work fast enough.

Bekki1 · Newbie Joined: 26 Apr 2008 Posts: 1

Hello, It was interesting reading the posts. I recently went to a first aid course and were talking about allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and how there is a percentage of people where no one knows what they are allergic too, even with tests done. She was going through symptoms of anaphylaxis and asked if anyone has any of the symptoms on the list. I said that I went through a faze when I was younger where half my tongue would swell up, or my bottom lip, hand, foot would totaly swell up so I couldnt bend toes or fingers or large area of flesh on other parts of body after feeling an itchiness on area before it swells. I said that I had no idea what the reaction was too, but I had been to a doctor in past who said that only if it starts to effect throat then would give steroids. It has never effected throat thankfully and only ever happens in a blue moon and not all at same time. But After reading one post where someone had it regularly when younger then went 9 yrs only having it 3 times and now has it always and is effecting his work has made me think "is it just dormant for a while and will come back worse?" The lady on first aid course suggested getting allergy test done and seeing doctor again.
Its been about 2 yrs since last swelling. What does anyone think? I always thought it was dust mites biting me

Guest · Guest

I also have been diagnosed with reactive arthritis following salmonella poisoning. For weeks now I've had similar problems with my throat and my doctor just has me taking Advil. You should ask your doctor about reactive arthritis, especially if you've had any bacterial infection(food poisoning or std's especially).

Emma19 · Newbie Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I cannot believe all of your stories!

I am a 19 year old girl from England and I have been having my tongue and soft tissues from my body (eyelids, earlobes, breasts) swelling randomly for about a year now! I have been to see a specialist in Preston and he seems to think it is something called "chronic idiopathic urticaria and angiodema" i'm not sure if this relates to anyone or can try and help anyone in any way but I thought I should share my story anyway. I am also not sure if this is actually what is wrong with me as I have also suffered from hives.

Not only is it embarrassing and worrying it is also getting in the way of certain parts of my life. I have recently been sent home from a job in America as people seem to panic. Even though I know that my throat will not close, people do not realise it will go away in a matter of hours. I also sing for a living and I would be rather embarrassed if my tongue swells when I am on stage.

So please help people! If anyone else has this or anyone knows anyhting about it please let me know!

Emma xx

Emma19 · Newbie Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I cannot believe all of your stories!

I am a 19 year old girl from England and I have been having my tongue and soft tissues from my body (eyelids, earlobes, breasts) swelling randomly for about a year now! Only, this is my whole tongue not just half. I have been to see a specialist in Preston and he seems to think it is something called "chronic idiopathic urticaria and angiodema" i'm not sure if this relates to anyone or can try and help anyone in any way but I thought I should share my story anyway. I am also not sure if this is actually what is wrong with me as I have also suffered from hives.

Not only is it embarrassing and worrying it is also getting in the way of certain parts of my life. I have recently been sent home from a job in America as people seem to panic. Even though I know that my throat will not close, people do not realise it will go away in a matter of hours. I also sing for a living and I would be rather embarrassed if my tongue swells when I am on stage.

So please help people! If anyone else has this or anyone knows anyhting about it please let me know!

Emma xx

garylee · Newbie Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 2

I am 60 years old and have been waking up with swollen lips and/or swollen tongue. Last night it was the swollen tongue. Very, very swollen. The flesh under my tongue, ie the bottom of my mouth, was also swollen. This is frightening as it feels like it could go down my throat and stop my breathing. I am going to the doctor and the dentist this week to have it checked out. I have never had food allergies but this is scarry. My lip will blow up to about 3 or 4 times normal size and my tongue gets so big that my speech is impaired. I am now more frightened over all the other similar posts where people don't know what is causing the problem.

Throat & Tongue swollen on one side

LIFEFORM SOCIAL COMMUNITY NETWORK