Swelling of the lips is a concerning symptom because it mostly occurs when your body is experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Selenium is a mineral naturally ingested in the diet and considered likely safe when you take less than 400 mg daily, according to MedlinePlus. You shouldn’t take a selenium supplement unless your doctor directs because most people do acquire enough of this mineral through diet. If you develop swollen lips, discontinue use immediately and call 911.
Selenium
Minerals are not Food and Drug Administration-regulated and any use of the supplement must be done while under the direction of a doctor. This mineral is primarily found in water, liver, fish, chicken, wheat and crab, according to MedlinePlus. It is commonly used as medicine for certain conditions, such as heart disease, atherosclerosis and preventing certain types of cancer, such as skin, lung, prostate and stomach. The mineral may also be used in people with an underactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, hay fever, chronic fatigue syndrome, arsenic poisoning and cataracts. Supplementation of selenium is not intended for long-term use.
Drug Allergy
Although selenium may be ingested in your diet, taking it in supplement form may trigger an allergic reaction. If your immune system mistakes the mineral supplement as a dangerous substance, your body may overact and attack the substance. This attack includes antibodies, histamine and other disease-fighting chemicals. The release of these chemicals in the body causes inflammation, swelling and irritation in soft tissues, according to MayoClinic.com. Minor allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, stomach pain, minor skin irritation, shortness of breath and a runny nose.
Swollen Lips Concern
Swelling in your lips, throat, face or tongue is a concerning symptom. Lip swelling may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. During this type of reaction, excessive amounts of histamine cause your blood vessels to quickly dilate to extreme levels, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The sudden increase of blood flow can cause a drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness and fainting. Along with lip swelling, you may also develop hives, a metallic taste in your mouth and an increase in your heart rate.
Consideration
Because lip swelling is a sign of a life-threatening condition, you must call 911 immediately. Emergency medical personnel will inject you with a drug called epinephrine to cause constriction in blood vessels, reducing lip swelling and other symptoms of anaphylaxis.
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