Evaluation of lip swelling is based on a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with may include:

• Enlarged lips
• Cold sore

Testing may be necessary to detect hereditary angioedema as a cause of lip swelling.

Tests that may be used to evaluate hereditary angioedema include:

• Complete blood count
• C1 esterase blood level:
• An important test for anyone who may have hereditary angioedema. Low levels of this enzyme will confirm this diagnosis.
• Allergy testing may include one or more of the following:
• Aquagenic: a test used to detect water-induced urticaria.
• Delayed Pressure: this test involves the placement of a 5 to 10 pound object on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes and then observing the skin's reaction for the next three hours.
• Dermatographism: a test involving the skin's reaction upon being scratched by a tongue blade; the course of the tongue blade is seen in a welt-like pattern on the skin
• Ice Cube Test: touching ice to the skin can trigger cold-induced urticaria in some individuals.
• Methacholine Test: this is a test that is used to identify cholinergic or exercise-induced urticaria.
• Skin testing: the most common test where small amounts of allergens are placed into the skin.

For more information:

• Cold sores evaluation
• Angioedema evaluation
• Allergic reactions evaluation
• Hereditary angioedema evaluation