What causes the left side of the face to be more swollen than the right?

Under normal circumstances, left facial swelling compared to the right may be related to mosquito bites, allergies, masseter muscle hypertrophy, cellulitis, or swollen lymph nodes, among other factors. Treatment should be based on the specific cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Mosquito bites

If a patient suddenly notices left facial swelling upon waking up at night, accompanied by itching, it is likely caused by insect bites. It is recommended to rinse the area with cold water promptly. The affected area can be cleaned with soapy water or saline solution, and topical application of insect repellent lotion may help relieve discomfort from the bite.

2. Allergy

Allergic reactions to certain substances, such as cosmetics or medications, should be considered. However, this condition usually requires a clear history of using such products or taking specific drugs. Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

3. Masseter muscle hypertrophy

If a patient has a long-term habit of chewing on one side, the masseter muscle on that side may become enlarged due to overuse, leading to facial asymmetry and apparent enlargement on one side. It is recommended to chew food on the right side to strengthen the right masseter muscle and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber.

4. Cellulitis

This is commonly caused by dental infections. If there is inflammation in the gums around the teeth or in the periapical area, and the infection is not controlled promptly, it may spread to adjacent soft tissues, causing soft tissue cellulitis and resulting in swelling on one side of the face. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or levofloxacin tablets may be prescribed by a doctor for treatment.

5. Swollen lymph nodes

Left-sided facial swelling may also result from enlarged lymph nodes. During an inflammatory response, unilateral lymph node enlargement may occur, leading to swelling on one side of the face. Medications such as cefalexin capsules or roxithromycin dispersible tablets may be taken under medical supervision.

In addition, conditions such as facial nerve paralysis or tumors could also be responsible. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.