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What Is Uvulitis?

Hanging from the roof of your mouth and at the back of your throat, you will see a protrusion of pink-colored tissue in the shape of a drop. This is known as the uvula. The uvula usually ascends with the soft palate to prevent food and liquids from entering the nose while swallowing. It also aids in a person’s speaking ability. Finally, it can also trigger the gag reflex and prevent choking.

When the uvula becomes swollen, it can cause a foreign object sensation in the back of your throat. This condition is called uvulitis. Swelling of the uvula can occur together with swelling of the surrounding tissues such as tonsils and the throat. A person with uvulitis may also have a sore throat and swallowing may become difficult or painful. If you feel like you might have uvulitis, you can check this out by opening your mouth in front of a mirror and saying “ah”. If your uvula is swollen, it will probably be enlarged and the mucosa will exhibit a red color. But what causes it? Here are 10 swollen uvula causes.

Uvulitis can occur in any person, no matter the age or gender. However, the condition is more common in children than in adults. Some people are also more likely to get uvulitis than others.

Such people include those who have allergies, smokers, those who are constantly exposed to irritating chemicals and other irritants, and those with a weak immune system that makes them vulnerable to infections. If you are at risk of getting uvulitis, especially due to allergies, discuss your condition with a doctor.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Almost half of adults in the United States will experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), at least once a month. GERD is a consequence of the backing up of gastric acid (above the normal limit) into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach. This usually happens after a meal, and it causes symptoms with or without damaging the lining of the esophagus. Examples of typical GERD symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

Additionally, the acid from the stomach can flow upwards and reach the throat and the larynx (voice box), causing a subtype of GERD known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Common symptoms of this condition include sore throat, hoarseness, cough, and a lump-sensation in the throat. When the uvula comes into contact with acid reflux in LPR, it can become red and swollen. If you have uvulitis, and suspect of acid-reflux as a possible cause, consult with a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Infections

Infections, especially those caused by viruses, and bacteria can also lead to uvulitis. Such infections include the common cold, croup, mononucleosis, strep throat, tonsillitis, and STDs.

When these infections affect the oral cavity, they can irritate any of the tissues here, including the uvula and the throat. Cases due to an infection like the common cold are usually short-lived, and go away within a few days.

Trauma

Trauma to the uvula can also cause uvulitis. Such trauma can result from conditions such as GERD, whereby stomach acid injures the throat, including the uvula.

Trauma to the uvula can also occur during surgical procedures such as removal of the tonsils or the insertion of a tube to deliver oxygen into the lungs.

Bacterial Infection

The most common bacteria that affects the throat is streptococcal bacteria. Specifically, Streptococcus pyogenes causes the inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils, leading to what we know as strep throat. Uvulitis can develop in severe cases of strep throat. If you have tonsillitis, for instance, the back of your throat including the uvula can be swollen because of the infection and inflammation. Sometimes, only one tonsil becomes inflamed along with your uvula. In severe cases, this can lead to deviation of the uvula away from the affected tonsil.

Genetics and Uvulitis

Genetics may play a part in some cases of uvulitis. A rare condition called hereditary angioedema can make your throat, face, hands, feet, and uvula swell.

Another rare condition leads to an elongated uvula that is larger than normal. However, although the condition resembles uvulitis, it is not uvulitis, and the only way to treat it is through a surgical intervention known as uvulectomy.

Diagnosis of Uvulitis

Upon visiting your doctor, they will interview you to get a history of your condition. It is important that you inform the doctor of any related symptoms including colds, cough, fever, and abdominal pain. Other important information includes any new foods you have consumed, exposure to chemicals or other materials, and medication you have taken for the condition, including over-the-counter drugs and antibiotics. The doctor will carry out a physical examination and may also swab the uvula or the throat for a laboratory examination.

Your doctor may also ask for a blood test to see whether you have an infection or not and to rule out some infections. In some cases, all these tests can be inconclusive and you may need to see an allergist to assess your case. Provide the allergist with your blood and skin tests to be able to identify the substances and foods that may cause an allergy.

Home Remedies for Uvulitis

If you have uvulitis, or a sore throat, your body is telling you that there is something wrong. Some home remedies can help soothe your swollen uvula and sore throat. These include sucking on ice chips or frozen juice bars, or ice cream. You can also try gargling with warm salt water.

Getting adequate sleep, and sleeping in comfortable surroundings, free from irritants, can also help your body recover and fight any infections. You should also keep your throat and body hydrated by sipping on warm water throughout the day. This will reduce the irritation of your throat.

Medical Treatment for Uvulitis

Treating uvulitis depends on the cause of the condition. Once the cause is resolved, uvulitis will also clear. Some medical conditions, like the common cold, can go away without treatment. Uvulitis due to such conditions clears up once the infection goes away. If, however, the condition causes a lot of discomfort, you can take pain medication and wait for the swelling to reduce. Cases of bacterial infection are treated with antibiotics. Make sure that you complete the course of treatment even after you get relief from the symptoms.

If uvulitis is a result of an allergy, seek a doctors assistance to determine the allergen so you can avoid it. Antihistamines or steroids are used to treat allergies. Uvulitis due to hereditary angioedema can be treated with C1 esterase inhibitors, plasma kallikrein inhibitor, bradykinin receptor antagonist, or androgens.

Long-Term Outlook for Uvulitis

Uvulitis is an uncommon condition that is usually a result of an underlying problem. For this reason, once the cause is dealt with, uvulitis resolves without further treatment. Home remedies, including avoiding trigger foods and other substances and keeping your throat hydrated, can also help.

Serious uvulitis is treated with medication. Discussing your condition with a doctor can help determine the best management plan depending on your condition.

(09/17/2024)
by 10Faq

More Information: https://10faq.com/health/what-is-uvulitis/3/

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