Swollen eyes regardless of Benadryl

Posted by Kim Brulee on August 07, 1999 at 11:53:24
     Yesterday I found myself in the midst of an "allergy attack".  Sneezing and watery eyes have been my most common symptoms, particularly where cats, mold, mildew and dust are concerned.  However, I found myself with EXTREMELY itchy eyes this time, resulting in them swelling almost completely shut.  I took 50mg of Benadryl, which knocked me out for the duration of the night.  I assumed the swelling would have abated by morning, if not completely, at least a little.
     No such luck.  This morning I awoke to find my eyes just as swollen, although my sinuses had cleared up completely.  They no longer itch but nothing (ice packs, another 50mg of Benadryl) seems to be helping.  Should I consider getting a prescription for an eye drop at this point, or is an 18-hour period of swollen eyes common?

                                              Thank You

Posted by HFHS MD-JL on August 07, 1999 at 12:50:38
Certainly, this would not be uncommon.  It takes the body some time to resorb the fluid.  And despite the lack of itching there is still some chemical reaction going on under the skin.  You also may want to try ice and if persists see you physician.
This information was provided for educational purposes only.
HFHS MD-JL