Puffy Lips & Fever in a Child
Puffy lips accompanied by fever in a child could be a sign of several illnesses. If your child has a fever and swollen lips, she could be suffering from a minor illness, such as a canker sore, or she could be having an allergic reaction. Swollen lips and fever are also signs of Kawasaki disease and chickenpox. See your doctor to determine the exact cause of your child's symptoms and rule out serious issues.
A child with swollen lips and a fever could be suffering from one of several illnesses. (Image: Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images)Herpes Virus
If your child is infected with the herpes virus, he could develop canker sores on his lips, cheeks, tongue and gums. These sores are painful and can cause your child's lips to swell. Your child may experience a fever, along with trouble swallowing, as a side effect of the herpes virus. If your child has canker sores combined with a fever, or if he has any sores visible on his outer lips, take him to see a doctor to determine a treatment plan.
Angioedema-Eosinophilia Syndrome
Angioedema is an allergic reaction that results in hives and itching, which can cause a child's lips to become puffy. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that some allergic reactions can bring about angioedema-eosinophilia syndrome, which includes hives and itching that can make a child's lip swell, along with a fever. Other symptoms of angioedema-eosinophilia syndrome include muscle pain, decreased urine output and weight gain. Take your child to a doctor immediately if you think she is suffering from angioedema-eosinophilia syndrome. Her doctor can determine the cause of the swelling and prescribe a plan for preventing future attacks.
Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is an inflammatory illness that typically only affects children. A high fever and swollen lips are symptoms of Kawasaki disease, along with a rash, swollen hands and feet and conjunctivitis. If you suspect your child has Kawasaki disease, it's crucial to take him to a doctor as soon as possible. Caught early, Kawasaki disease is largely treatable. While most children with Kawasaki disease recover fully, the illness can sometimes be serious, causing damage to the coronary arteries.
Chickenpox
If your child has chickenpox, she may experience swollen lips, especially if she has chickenpox blisters near or inside her mouth. Children with chickenpox often get a fever days before blisters show up. If you think your child has chickenpox, take her to see a doctor for diagnosis. Avoid giving your child aspirin or ibuprofen if she has chickenpox to reduce her risk of developing a secondary illness.
