Swollen Face for one month

Approx. 4 weeks ago, I went on holiday to the North coast of California(lots of wild grasses,pollen, etc...) I ate lobster for dinner (2nd time in life) and within 48 hours my face became notably swollen.(mostly on the left side from cheekbone down to chin and partially down side of neck) I am 49 years old and have eaten shellfish my entire life. The swelling in my face has not gone away. I also suffer from an itchy scalp. I have had some sever swelling in my left knee and was diagnosed as have synovial fluid build up in it. I am scheduled for an MRI to check on the problem. I met with an allergist who looked at my history of pnuemonia (pneumonia) (4 times and chronic ear infections,(most recent was one year ago and they had to lance my eardrum) I also have bright pink cheeks and a pink bridge across my nose(this comes and goes, usually in the evening with the itchy scalp). The allergist looked at me and said he thinks I have RA. My father suffered from RA and was diagnosed at age 49. He did a ton of blood tests and I am scheduled to return next week. Can your face stay swollen for this long of a period of time from an allergic reaction, and or does this sound more like an auto immune disease such as RA or lupus? Thank you.

[Forum-M.D.-]

I agree with the MRI as well as an allergy referral.  An allergic reaction continues to be the leading possibility, and allergy testing should be done to see if there is a reaction to shellfish.

If RA or lupus is considered, initial blood tests including an ANA and rheumatoid factor level should be done or discussed with a rheumatologist.  It is difficult to say if these symptoms are suggestive of an autoimmune cause over the internet.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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