Swollen cheeks aren’t always serious, especially if you’re not experiencing pain. That said, it could mean a medical emergency like anaphylaxis, or a serious underlying medical condition like cancer.

If you’ve woken up this morning and your face is looking a little more puffy, or bloated, than you are used to, know that there are a few potential reasons why – most of which are easily remedied.

Dr. Omar Al-Heeti is an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University and practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases. He received his medical degree from the ...