Does a swollen uvula mean something serious? Discover the common causes, symptoms, and treatments for a swollen uvula. Get answers to your questions about this often-overlooked condition.

Understanding the Swollen Uvula

The uvula is a small, fleshy tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat. When this structure becomes swollen, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. A swollen uvula, also known as uvulitis, is a common condition that can have various underlying causes.

Common Causes of a Swollen Uvula

Several factors can contribute to a swollen uvula. The most common causes include:

• Infection: Bacterial or viral infections, such as strep throat or tonsillitis, can lead to inflammation and swelling of the uvula.
• Allergic reaction: Certain foods, medications, or environmental allergens can trigger an allergic response, resulting in a swollen uvula.
• Irritation: Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, chemicals, or hot liquids, can cause the uvula to swell.
• Medical procedures: Procedures involving the mouth or throat, like intubation or tonsil surgery, can sometimes lead to uvula swelling.
• Angioedema: This is a rare condition characterized by sudden, severe swelling, often in the face, lips, or throat, and can include the uvula.

Symptoms of a Swollen Uvula

The primary symptom of a swollen uvula is, of course, the visible enlargement of the tissue at the back of the throat. Other common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble speaking or breathing
• Gagging or choking sensation
• Snoring or sleep disturbances
• Drooling
• Fever

Diagnosing and Treating a Swollen Uvula

If you suspect you have a swollen uvula, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination, asking about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order additional tests, such as a throat culture or imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause.

The treatment for a swollen uvula typically involves addressing the underlying condition. This may include:

• Antibiotics: If the swelling is due to a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Antihistamines: For allergic reactions, antihistamines can help reduce swelling and other symptoms.
• Corticosteroids: In severe cases, corticosteroid medications may be used to quickly reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Supportive care: Resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms while the underlying condition is treated.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience a swollen uvula, it’s important to seek medical attention, especially if the swelling is severe or accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent potentially serious complications, such as airway obstruction.

Prevention and Reducing the Risk of a Swollen Uvula

While some causes of a swollen uvula are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to reduce the spread of infectious illnesses.
• Avoid known allergens and irritants, such as smoke or harsh chemicals.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to prevent infections.
• If you have a history of swollen uvula or related conditions, discuss prevention strategies with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a swollen uvula contagious?

A swollen uvula is not contagious on its own, but the underlying cause may be. For example, if the swelling is due to a viral or bacterial infection, it can be passed from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

How long does a swollen uvula last?

The duration of a swollen uvula can vary depending on the underlying cause. Mild cases may resolve within a few days, while more severe or chronic conditions may take several weeks to fully heal.

Can a swollen uvula cause difficulty breathing?

Yes, in some cases, a severely swollen uvula can obstruct the airway and make it difficult to breathe. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Does a swollen uvula always require treatment?

Not necessarily. Mild cases of a swollen uvula that are not causing significant discomfort or complications may not require immediate treatment. However, it’s still important to have the condition evaluated by a healthcare provider to ensure there are no underlying issues.

What Does A Swollen Uvula Mean

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Written by

Jack Wilkinson, MD.

Fellow, Cornell/Columbia New York Presbyterian Child Psychiatry Program

Medically reviewed by

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Last updated March 15, 2022

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Most common questions

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

FAQ

References

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Written by

Jack Wilkinson, MD.

Fellow, Cornell/Columbia New York Presbyterian Child Psychiatry Program

Medically reviewed by

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Last updated March 15, 2022

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If you have a swollen uvula, you may also be experiencing a sore throat, trouble swallowing, and maybe even a fever. An enlarged uvula is often caused by infection, an allergic reaction, or irritation from chemicals or medical procedures. Read below to find out how long a swollen uvula lasts and how to get treatment.

5 most common causes

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Salivary Duct Stones

Strep Throat

Acute URI

Viral Throat Infection

Ludwig’s Angina

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Swollen uvula symptoms

After a scratchy throat and some trouble swallowing, you finally grab a mirror and notice a strange sight: a swollen uvula. You may not even have known the name of that fleshy tissue hanging in the back of your throat before it started giving you problems, but now you just want it to go away.

The uvula is part of the soft palate made up of muscle, connective tissue, mucus glands and immune cells. When functioning properly, it swings upward to block food from entering your nose when you swallow. When swollen, it’s unsightly and uncomfortable.

A swollen uvula usually occurs along with a throat infection, but less commonly, it can happen in isolation.

Common accompanying symptoms of a swollen uvula are

Children are more vulnerable than adults to experience swollen uvula symptoms. It is also likely to experience the following at the same time.

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Snoring
• Speech difficulty
• Gagging
• Drooling
• Swollen tonsils
• Swollen glands

What causes a swollen uvula?

A sore throat is often the first sign of a swollen uvula as the swelling can also impact the tonsils and surrounding soft palate.

In most cases, a thorough examination and investigation of potential risk factors points to an underlying swollen uvula cause, which include some of the following:

• Infection: Bacteria that cause strep throat and tonsillitis can also lead to infection and swelling of the uvula.
• Instrumentation: Medical procedures that involve the mouth and throat or those that require a breathing tube can cause irritation and swelling of the uvula.
• Allergic reaction: Certain foods and medications may cause swelling of the back of the throat, including the uvula, along with symptoms like rash or itchiness.
• Medication side effect: Certain drugs like pain-relievers or high-blood pressure pills may cause a swelling reaction called angioedema that typically involves the lips and throat.
• Steam or chemical inhalation: Breathing in hot air, smoke, or harsh chemicals causes burns and irritation that lead to swelling.
• Toxic ingestion: Swallowing chemicals accidentally or intentionally irritates the back of the throat.

This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.

Viral throat infection

A sore throat is most often caused by the same viruses that cause influenza and the common cold. The illness spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and then someone else inhales the airborne virus or touches a surface where it has landed.

Those most at risk for viral sore throat are children, smokers, those who work indoors with others, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Symptoms include throat irritation; pain when swallowing or talking; red, swollen tonsils; fever; body aches; and cold-like symptoms of cough, sneezing, and runny nose.

If symptoms do not clear up within 24 hours – especially in children – a medical provider should be seen. A persistent sore throat can be a symptom of serious illness such as mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, or croup.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and throat swab.

Treatment involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Do not give aspirin to children. Antibiotics only work against bacteria and cannot help against a viral illness.

The best prevention is frequent and thorough handwashing.

Strep throat requiring throat swab

Strep throat, or “strep,” is a sore throat specifically caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.

The illness spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and then someone else inhales the airborne bacteria, or touches a surface where it has landed and then touches their own face.

Children are most susceptible but anyone can be infected.

Symptoms include sudden throat pain, fever, headache, rash, body aches, and red, swollen tonsils. These symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, so a sample is taken by gently rubbing a sterile cotton-tipped swab over the back of the throat.

Testing will identify the organism responsible so that treatment with the appropriate antibiotic can begin. Be sure to finish all of the medication as directed, even after feeling better.

Untreated strep throat can lead to ear infections, kidney disease, scarlet fever, and rheumatic fever. These are serious illnesses. If strep throat is suspected, the person should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Ludwig’s angina

Ludwig angina is a bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth and occurs beneath the tongue.

You should visit an emergency room immediately. This requires immediate antibiotic treatment and, in some cases, surgery.

Common cold

The common cold is a contagious viral infection that can cause cough, congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Most adults catch two to three colds per year, and kids can get more than eight colds each year.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Colds are contagious and can easily spread to other people, so if possible, avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. Colds typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.

Acute salivary duct stone (sialolithiasis)

A salivary duct stone is the most common disorder of the salivary glands (where you make spit). They can range in size from tiny particles to stones that are several centimeters in length.

You can try treating this at home and going to the doctor if things don’t work. You can stay well hydrated, apply warm compresses, and massage or “milk” the duct with the stone in it. Another tip would be to suck on lemon drops or other hard tart candy (called sialogogues, which promote salivary secretions) throughout the day. Pain is treated with NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. If things do not get better or you cannot find the stone, it’s best to go to your doctor.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: swelling on one side of the face, swollen jaw, painful face swelling, spontaneous jaw pain, painful jaw swelling

Urgency: Phone call or in-person visit

Swollen uvula treatments and relief

A swollen uvula can be bothersome and uncomfortable, especially if it gets in the way of speaking or swallowing. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for the problem, which usually takes several days or more to resolve. In the meantime, most at-home treatments focus on addressing discomfort and keeping the problem from getting any worse.

At-home treatment

The following treatments can be tried at home and may provide relief.

• Eat soft foods: Eat small meals of soft foods like yogurt and cottage cheese, well-cooked pasta or rice, and eggs, tofu or beans.
• Avoid anything spicy or hot: Though boring, bland foods are your best friend when dealing with a swollen uvula that may be extra sensitive.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water or other liquids to stay hydrated and help the body in its healing process.
• Gargle: Lukewarm salt water or mouthwash can be comforting.
• Throat sprays: Over-the-counter numbing spray like Chloraseptic offer temporary relief from a sore throat.
• Antihistamine: Try diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help with any swelling or itching that may accompany the swollen uvula due to an allergic reaction.

When to see a doctor

If at-home treatments are ineffective, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. He or she may suggest the following.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infection.
• Steroids: Drugs like prednisone attack the swelling and help to speed recovery
• X-rays: Imaging can help determine if the swelling is confined to the uvula or if it extends further down the throat and requires further observation and treatment.
• Tonsillectomy: If your uvula becomes repeatedly swollen as the result of a surrounding infection like tonsillitis, your doctor may elect to remove your tonsils to prevent future infections. The uvula is usually not removed, except in severe circumstances.

When it is an emergency

Get help right away if you have the following swollen uvula symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• An allergic reaction: Or have a history of allergic reactions
• Swelling that is getting rapidly worse
• Inability to swallow anything at all

Since children have smaller throats and airways, it is important that they be evaluated without delay for any swelling in the back of the throat, especially if accompanied by labored breathing, wheezing, drooling or high fever.

FAQs about swollen uvula

Can a swollen uvula be contagious?

A swollen uvula is referred to as uvulitis, and can be identified when the uvula (the hanging structure in the back of the throat) is swollen. It is common in children, and can be caused by Group A Strep in children from ages 5 to 15. It is a type of strep throat infection and is therefore contagious, but most people will develop pharyngitis (swelling of the pharynx) instead of uvulitis.

Can alcohol cause a swollen uvula?

Alcoholic cleansers can cause uvulitis, though it is uncommon. More frequently, chemical irritants that produce vapors, hot steam, or even procedures on the pharynx like intubation or endoscopy can cause uvulitis. Alchohol routinely consumed as liquor is a less frequent cause.

Why is my uvula swollen when I wake up?

In adults, the most common causes of uvulitis is ingestion of noxious chemicals including alcoholic cleaners, cannabis smoke, medical procedures, hereditary swelling (e.g. angioedema), or allergic reactions. It does not normally occur when one awakes. If you have uvulitis and pain when you wake up, you should see a physician and review the history of the prior night.

Does a swollen uvula cause you to snore?

No, snoring is caused by a “floppy” upper airway. This means that the pharynx — the back of the nose and throat — has increasing collapsibility and resistance as one is breathing at night. It tends to collapse and expand quickly as if it is vibrating. This can result in several medical complications if it is associated with sleep apnea.

How long does a swollen uvula last?

A swollen uvula can last anywhere from a few days to a week and a half depending on the cause. However, if you have a swollen uvula, and particularly if you are having trouble breathing, you should seek medical attention. For most instances of soft tissue swelling, an over-the-counter pain medication is a reasonable treatment.

Questions your doctor may ask about swollen uvula

• What part of your mouth is swollen?
• Do you have a rash?
• Does your throat feel itchy or irritated?
• Are your symptoms worse while eating?

Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP…

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Strep Throat

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Strep is common in children, causing pain and redness in the throat, and often a fever. But adults can get it too.

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There are plenty of possible causes for your sore throat. Figure out what may be causing yours and how to find relief.

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Strep Throat

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Strep is common in children, causing pain and redness in the throat, and often a fever. But adults can get it too.

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There are plenty of possible causes for your sore throat. Figure out what may be causing yours and how to find relief.

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Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, and needs to be treated with antibiotics. Strep is common in children, causing pain and redness in the throat, and often a fever. But adults can get it too.

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References

1. Kalra MG, Higgins KE, Perez ED. Common Questions About Streptococcal Pharyngitis. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Jul 1;94(1):24-31. AAFP Link
2. Tonsilitis. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: ENT Health. ENT Health Link
3. Ziahosseini K, Ali S, Simo R, Malhotra R. Uvulitis following general anaesthesia. BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205038. Published Sept. 23, 2014. NCBI Link
4. Arnold JJ, Williams PM. Anaphylaxis: Recognition and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2011 Nov 15;84(10):1111-1118. AAFP Link
5. Bernstein JA, Cremonesi P, Hoffmann TK, Hollingsworth J. Angioedema in the emergency department: a practical guide to differential diagnosis and management. Int J Emerg Med. 2017;10(1):15. NCBI Link
6. Guilleminault C. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. A review. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1987;10(4):607-21. PubMed Link
7. Semelka M, Wilson J, Floyd R. Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Sep 1;94(5):355-360. AAFP Link

Uvulitis Information | Mount Sinai

Swollen uvula

Uvulitis is inflammation of the uvula. This is the small tongue-shaped tissue that hangs from the top of the back part of the mouth. Uvulitis is usually associated with inflammation of other mouth parts, such as the palate, tonsils, or throat (pharynx).

The mouth is the origination of the digestive tract. The teeth and salivary glands aid in breaking down food for digestion. The tonsils aid against infections.

Causes

Uvulitis is mainly caused by an infection with streptococcus bacteria. Other causes are:

• An injury to the back of the throat
• An allergic reaction from pollen, dust, pet dander, or foods such as peanuts or eggs
• Inhaling or swallowing certain chemicals
• Smoking

Injury can occur due to:

• Endoscopy – test that involves inserting a tube through the mouth into the esophagus to view the lining of the esophagus and stomach
• Surgery such as tonsil removal
• Damage due to acid reflux

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Fever
• Feeling like something is in your throat
• Choking or gagging
• Coughing
• Pain while swallowing
• Excessive saliva
• Decreased or no appetite

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and look in your mouth to view the uvula and throat.

Tests that may done include:

• Throat swab to identify any germs that are causing your uvulitis
• Blood tests
• Allergy tests

Treatment

Uvulitis may get better on its own without medicines. Depending on the cause, you may be prescribed:

• Antibiotics to treat an infection
• Steroids to reduce swelling of the uvula
• Antihistamines to treat an allergic reaction

Your provider may suggest you do the following at home to ease your symptoms:

• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Gargle with warm salt water to reduce swelling.
• Take over the counter pain medicine.
• Use throat lozenges or a throat spray to help with the pain.
• Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, both of which can irritate your throat.

If the swelling does not go away with medicines, your provider may advise surgery. Surgery is done to remove a part of uvula.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Uvulitis usually resolves in 1 to 2 days either on its own or with treatment.

Possible Complications

If swelling of uvula is severe and goes untreated, it may cause choking and restrict your breathing.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

• You are unable to eat properly
• Your symptoms are not getting better
• You have a fever
• Your symptoms return after treatment

If you are choking and having trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. There, the provider may insert a breathing tube to open your airway to help you breathe.

Prevention

If you test positive for an allergy, avoid the allergen in future. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

Riviello RJ. Otolaryngologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts & Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 63.

Wald ER. Uvulitis. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry’s Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 10.

Last reviewed on: 8/31/2021

Reviewed by: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Uvulitis (inflammation of the uvula) – causes, symptoms and treatment

Definition of the disease: what is uvulitis

Uvulitis is an acute inflammation of the uvula or uvula. Translated from Latin, uvula means “tongue” – the shape of the organ resembles an oblong berry.

Uvula helps to pronounce specific “trembling” sounds – such are, for example, in French, Arabic, Georgian and Native American languages.

This small process is located at the entrance to the larynx – along the median line of the posterior edge of the soft palate. The uvula secretes saliva, pushes food along with the tongue to the esophagus and, when swallowed, closes the nasal passages so that pieces of food and liquid do not get there.

Uvulu is easy to see if you open your mouth wide and look in the mirror – this is a “drop” that hangs over the base of the tongue

The uvula is a very sensitive and delicate organ. It consists of connective tissue and is covered with a mucous membrane. If for some reason (for example, due to infection, severe coughing or smoking) the vessels inside the uvula burst, a hematoma is formed. – the palatine uvula swells, severe pain appears.

Causes of uvulitis

Uvulitis rarely occurs as an independent disease – most often inflammation develops against the background of viral and bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract. For example, during a sore throat or pharyngitis, the doctor, upon examination, may see that the uvula has turned red and a white coating has appeared on it – a trace that bacteria leave on the mucous membrane.

The uvula can also become swollen and painful due to smoking, improper gastrointestinal function, or allergies to food, pollen, and pets.

Possible causes of uvula inflammation:

• viral infections: uvulitis may be a concomitant symptom of diseases caused by influenza viruses, herpes viruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses and Epstein-Barr virus. For example, the uvula becomes inflamed with tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. In some patients, uvulitis appears against the background of COVID-19;
• Bacterial and fungal infections: Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae can also cause uvula inflammation. Often uvulitis becomes a complication of oral candidiasis (thrush) – damage to the oral cavity by fungi of the genus Candida;
• allergy: edema may be the body’s reaction to an antigen – a substance that the immune system perceives as suspicious and tries to destroy. If the allergic reaction is particularly strong, Quincke’s edema can develop – a dangerous condition when the eyes, lips, tongue and uvula suddenly swell;
• genetic feature: with congenital angioedema, the body lacks a special protein that restrains the immune system and prevents it from attacking its own body by mistake. In people with this pathology, edema may appear in different parts of the body even due to cold, some foods and minor injuries;
• exposure to chemicals and tobacco: uvula has been known to become inflamed after inhaling gasoline, paint, solvents, tobacco smoke, and e-cigarette fumes;
• snoring or severe coughing can be both causes and symptoms of uvulitis;
• dehydration: when the body loses water – due to overheating, diarrhea, vomiting or improper drinking regimen – it tries to retain the remaining fluid in organs and tissues, which may cause edema, including edema of the uvula;
• sexually transmitted diseases: gonorrhea and syphilis often cause inflammation of the larynx, tonsils, gums, tongue and uvula;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): a disease of the digestive system in which many patients experience laryngopharyngeal reflux, the backflow of gastric juice into the esophagus and then into the throat, leading to inflammation in the oral cavity;
• injuries: uvulitis is often a complication after surgery, when the patient is intubated – a plastic tube is inserted that helps the person breathe under anesthesia.

Symptoms of uvulitis

With uvulitis, the sore throat usually comes on suddenly when eating, after a sudden cough or sneeze. Sometimes the uvulitis makes itself known for the first time at night – it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, there may be a feeling that a lump is stuck in the throat. At the same time, if you try to clear your throat, the pain will only increase.

The main symptom of uvulitis is unbearable and sudden pain in the throat

Other common symptoms of uvulitis:

• high body temperature and chills;
• Gagging – appear because the enlarged uvula presses on the root of the tongue;
• dry cough that brings no relief;
• shortness of breath;
• increased salivation;
• white coating on tongue and uvula;
• snoring.

Uvulitis diagnostics

Sometimes uvulitis goes away on its own in a few days. But if the symptoms persist longer and the general state of health has worsened, you need to tell the doctor – therapist or otolaryngologist about this.

The doctor will examine – swelling, bright red or bluish color of the palatine uvula, film and sores on its tip will indicate uvulitis.

Immediate medical attention may be required if breathing becomes difficult and shortness of breath worsens.

Laboratory diagnostics

Laboratory tests may be required to clarify the diagnosis and understand the true cause of uvula inflammation.

A complete blood count with a leukocyte formula will help to understand the nature of the inflammation – it is associated with a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

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To accurately diagnose the causes of uvulitis, it is important to understand which viruses triggered the inflammation.

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If, upon examination, a gray or yellowish coating is noticeable on the uvula and the patient has enlarged lymph nodes, liver and spleen, this may be a symptom of infectious mononucleosis, a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

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If an allergy is suspected, allergy tests are performed – tests that help to understand which antigen triggers the reaction. Allergic uvulitis can be triggered by any allergen — plant pollen, food, dust, and pet dander.

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Treatment of uvulitis

Usually, the uvula quickly returns to normal if the underlying disease is dealt with. The doctor will select the treatment – it depends on the cause of the uvulitis.

If swelling is due to allergies, antihistamines are prescribed.

Antivirals, antifungals, or antibiotics may be needed to clear the infection if the infection is caused by bacteria.

In case of severe edema and to relieve inflammation, the doctor may recommend physiotherapy procedures – drug inhalations and phonophoresis Phonophoresis A method of physiotherapy that combines the use of drugs and the action of ultrasonic high-frequency waves..

Treatment of uvulitis at home

Regardless of the cause of uvulitis, symptomatic treatment is prescribed to alleviate the condition – lozenges and sprays for sore throat. To reduce swelling and pain, you can gargle with warm salt water – one teaspoon of salt per glass of water.

It is also useful to drink plenty of warm water – this will help minimize the effects of intoxication in case of infectious uvulitis. In addition, it is important to monitor the humidity in the room: dry air will irritate the uvula, which can lead to a coughing fit.

It is advisable to give up solid food for a while in favor of pureed soups and mashed potatoes.

Prognosis of uvulitis and possible complications

With timely diagnosis, the disease responds well to treatment and rarely leads to complications. Uvulitis itself is not contagious, but viruses and bacteria are transmitted from person to person, which cause inflammation of the uvula.

Isolated uvulitis rarely causes severe complications. The danger is diseases due to which the palatine uvula has increased, including angioedema and false croup.

Sometimes uvulitis turns from an acute form into a chronic one: edema and pain are not amenable to conservative treatment and often return. In this case, an operation may be required – removal of part of the uvula.

There is no absolute protection against uvulitis, but you can reduce the risk of inflammation of the palatine uvula if you follow personal hygiene measures during respiratory infections, stop smoking, monitor your drinking regimen and avoid meeting with allergens that can cause uvula edema.

Sources

1. Babiyak V. I. Otorhinolaryngology. Volume 1. St. Petersburg, 2009. S. 476.
2. Uvulitis / Health Library by Cleveland Clinic. 2022.
3. Lathadevi H. T., Karadi R. N., Thobbi R. V., Guggarigoudar S. P., Kulkarni N. H. Isolated uvulitis: An uncommon but not a rare clinical entity // Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005. No. 57(2). P. 139–140. doi:10.1007/BF02907669

Uvulitis | Causes of occurrence

12/31/2018

Inflammation of a small process located on the posterior edge of the palate, occurring in an acute form, is called uvulitis. The onset of the pathological process is characterized as rapid, and its main manifestations are severe pain in the throat , sensation of a foreign body and difficulty breathing. The uvula plays a significant role in the formation of sounds , and also has protective functions, preventing food from entering the nasopharynx. The pathological process proceeds both in acute and in chronic form.

Causes of uvulitis

As the most likely causes of uvulitis, it is necessary to indicate damage to blood vessels in the palatine uvula, tonsillitis , rhinitis, sinusitis, caries, consequences of adenotomy, tonsillar abscess, trauma to the palatine uvula, 9 0023 allergic reactions organisms, thermal lesions of the oral cavity , side effects of a number of pharmacological preparations, especially those taken uncontrollably. Most often, uvulitis occurs after surgery for removal tonsils or adenoids .

Depending on the causes of the development of the pathological process, uvulitis is divided into medicinal, traumatic, allergic, viral and bacterial. Predominantly, the disease develops due to the pathogenic activity of a number of microorganisms. The main route of entry of pathogens of the infectious process into the palatine uvula is hematogenous.

Symptoms of uvulitis

In addition to the above characteristic manifestations of uvulitis, the symptoms of the disease are: swelling and redness of the uvula, hyperthermia, headache of moderate intensity, increased body fatigue, muscle pain, excessive salivation, impaired speech , ulcerative formations on the mucous membrane of the palatine uvula, cough, itching in the throat .

Allergic uvulitis may be accompanied by runny nose and skin rashes. The development of the inflammatory process proceeds very brightly and cannot be classified as ailments. The appearance of the above symptoms should be the reason for the immediate appeal to the doctor and urgent therapy . Practitioner in the field of diagnosis and treatment of uvulitis is otolaryngologist .

Doctor attaches great importance to the symptoms of the inflammatory process, which the patient tells him about. Next, the specialist proceeds to the examination, during which he establishes the need for additional laboratory research procedures. To determine the nature of the development of the pathological process, general and biochemical blood tests allow, and a bacteriological analysis of a smear from the mucous membrane of the palatal uvula helps to identify the direct infectious agent. Identification of the causative microorganism plays a decisive role in the choice of antimicrobials during the therapy .