swollen face

[tfiles]

Does anyone know what might cause a swollen face on an 8 yr. old?  my son't face swells up just out of the blue every so often.  It does not turn red or blotchy, and does not have a rash.  he has also gained a lot of weight, but i don't know if that has anything to do with this.  ???

[tfiles]

I just wanted to tell you thank you for your advice.  I have him an appt. set up next week.  Thanks again and have a great wknd

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

The symptoms of swollen face and gain in body weight in a child may be due to allergy, hypothyroidism, kidney problems or as a side effect to steroids. The first signs of nephrotic syndrome are puffy eyelids and a swollen face.

You should consult a pediatrician. A careful history taking, physical examination and laboratory studies (thyroid profile, urinalysis and serum albumin) would help reach the correct diagnosis so that appropriate therapy can be initiated.

Take care

[sweetness04]

sounds like an allergic reaction of some sort.  If he's allergic to poison ivy his body will do that.  Not only did my daughter catch poison ivy but she was allergic to it as well.  She had to get a steroid shot immediatly.  It made her swell up like the marshmallow guy on the ghostbusters movie