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Uvulitis, or a swollen uvula, can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, allergic reactions, inhalation of harsh chemicals, and more.
Swelling of the uvula, also referred to as uvulitis, often occurs in combination with other health issues or infections and rarely occurs alone.
The following factors can cause the uvula to swell up:
- Viral and bacterial infections, such as
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Mononucleosis (mono)
- Respiratory tract infections, including viral and fungal infections (such as common cold, oral thrush, and flu)
- Infections of the mouth
- Allergic reaction, such as an allergy to
- Foods
- Insect stings or bites
- Pet dander
- Hot air or steam inhalation
- Inhalation of strong chemicals
- Excessive smoking
- Excessive alcohol drinking
- Sleep apnea and the stress of snoring
- Dry mouth
- Injury to the uvula
- Complications from procedures, such as tonsil removal
- Congenital condition (present from birth), such as
- Surgery that involves administration of general anesthesia
- Trauma from tubes inserted into the throat during emergency treatment
What happens when a uvula swells?
The uvula, which is the small tissue that hangs in the back of the throat (soft palate), can swell as a response to infections, allergies, or inflammation that affects the throat.
Uvulitis can result in signs and symptoms that include:
- Sore throat
- Trouble swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Gagging sensation
- Excessive salivation
- Breathing difficulty
- Fever
- Snoring
How is a swollen uvula treated?
Doctors treat uvulitis based on its cause and severity with treatment that usually involves:
- Antibiotics (if there is infection)
- Steroids (for allergy or severe inflammation)
- Antihistamines (for allergy)
- Stopping medicines that have caused the uvulitis
- At-home care
- Rest. Get adequate rest until the symptoms settle down.
- Drink fluids. Dehydration can worsen the swelling of the uvula. Painful swallowing can make people avoid drinking and eating, leading to dehydration. So, have frequent sips of water throughout the day. Children should be given frozen bars or other cold fluids.
- Warm saline water gargles. It can help soothe a sore throat caused by uvulitis.
Ask the doctor about how long your child should rest and when they can return to school.
If you develop a serious form of uvulitis, such as the one that developed from taking certain medication, the doctor will ask you to stop the medicine and refer you to a specialist, who can provide alternative medication. Remember the medicine that caused the allergic reaction and inform all the doctors that treat you in the future.
The prescribing doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further treatment.
When to contact the doctor
Uvulitis can rarely result in serious signs and symptoms, but it is quite possible. Seek medical help right away if the following are observed:
- Symptoms, which are not going away or getting worse
- Symptoms of dehydration, including
- Dark urine
- Dry mouth
- Cracked lips
- Dizziness
- Sunken eyes
- Fever over 100.4°F in adults
- Fever of 102°F or higher in children aged three months to three years
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher in a baby less than three months old
- Drooling of saliva
- Trouble talking
- Difficulty breathing or closed airways
- Swollen tongue, lips, face, or throat
- Seizure
- Trouble waking up
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Bluish or purplish discoloration of the lips