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What causes a swollen uvula?

The uvula is made up of mucous membranes, connective and muscle tissue, as well as canals that excrete saliva. It is very flexible, which ensures that it can fulfill its functions.

Symptoms

Though rare, the uvula and the surrounding areas can become swollen. Redness, soreness, and inflammation of the uvula is called uvulitis.

Inflammation is the body’s automatic response to an injury, allergic reaction, or illness. Inflammation may also include redness, irritation, itching, swelling, or burning.

If the immune system is not able to remove a harmful organism like a virus or bacterium, the uvula can become infected.

With uvulitis, a person may feel as if something is stuck in the back of their throat as well as experience difficulty swallowing. In some cases, the sound of the voice may also be affected.

Other symptoms include: Problems breathing, sore throat, swollen tonsils, excessive saliva, gagging, nasal regurgitation, fever, pain, trouble or painful swallowing.

Causes

Bacterial and viral infections such as strep throat, mononucleosis, or respiratory tract infections can cause uvulitis. The common cold is an easy way to pick up an infection because people’s nasal passages are typically blocked up. This leads them to breathe through their mouths.

Infectious uvulitis typically occurs with other conditions, such as an infection of the mouth or throat. Any of these conditions can lead to inflammation in the throat, which may then lead to uvulitis.

Other causes of uvulitis include:

Allergies: Allergic reactions can trigger a buildup of fluid in the throat or mouth resulting in swelling. It can be the result of an allergic reaction to food or even an insect sting. Anaphylactic reaction or shock is very dangerous and requires emergency medical treatment immediately.

Genetics: A cleft lip or cleft palate is a congenital trait that affects the roof of the mouth. This can cause the uvula to be enlarged, off place, shrunken, or even missing.

An elongated uvula is a hereditary trait. Though it may not swell, it can cause similar symptoms due to the size. Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic condition that causes swelling throughout the body, and it can affect the uvula.

A swollen uvula can also be caused by:

dry mouth

injury to the uvula or the throat area

acid reflux

Too much smoking and alcohol can also lead to mouth irritation, which can result in uvulitis. Breathing in chemicals can also cause swelling.

Some people may experience some swelling in their uvula after surgery. General anesthesia can cause irritation and a swollen uvula. Trauma from tubes inserted into the throat can also lead to uvulitis.

Home remedies

Mild cases of uvulitis can often be treated at home. There are a few home remedies that can be used to treat the problem. People with a swollen uvula are advised to do the following:

Drink plenty of fluids. The uvula is sometimes swollen due to dry mouth or dehydration, so water is the best medicine.

Gargling with warm water and plain table salt can help to soothe a sore throat.

Throat lozenges such as eucalyptus cough drops or throat spray can help to numb the pain. Cough drops and throat spray are available to purchase online.

Hot tea and honey, or just honey and hot water, can help to soothe a sore throat.

Chewing on ice chips may be helpful in reducing swelling.

Tea made with basil leaves can help reduce throat irritation. Basil leaves can be purchased loose.

Get plenty of rest.

Home remedies coupled with over-the-counter pain-relief medications can usually clear up a swollen uvula in a couple of days.

(04/16/2021)
by Medical News Today

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315997

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