While the soft palate helps to close your nasal passages as you swallow your food, the uvula helps to push food down your throat. The uvula is made of connective and muscle tissues along with mucous membranes that make it very flexible. Although rare, in some cases, your uvula, as well as its surrounding areas, may become swollen and inflamed. This condition is referred to as uvulitis. Inflammatory reactions within the body are often the major cause of a swollen uvula. Let us look at what causes reactions that can trigger uvulitis.
Why Is My Uvula Swollen And Red? What Causes It?
Microbial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, strep throat, or mononucleosis can cause uvulitis, thereby causing your uvula to become red and swollen. It is very easy for those with a common cold to develop a swollen uvula as well. This is because those with blocked nasal passages often tend to breathe through their mouth, thereby increasing the chances of an inflamed uvula. Other possible triggers of an inflamed and swollen uvula are:
Genetics – Congenital disorders like a cleft lip or palate can cause uvula to become enlarged, off place, or even missing in some cases.
Allergic reactions – Some allergies can cause fluid to build up in the throat or mouth. This may result in swelling of the uvula. Such reactions can be triggered by certain foods or even an insect bite.
Dry mouth
Acid reflux
Certain factors may also put an individual at a higher risk of developing a swollen uvula.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your chances of developing uvulitis are:
Smoking Drinking too much alcohol Breathing in toxic air Any history of surgical intervention An injury to the throat or uvula Known allergies A weakened immune system
When your immune system is not able to get rid of a foreign particle that has entered your body, it can infect the uvula and cause inflammation. Let’s now look at the signs and symptoms that characterize this condition.
Signs And Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a swollen uvula are:
A feeling of something stuck in your throat Difficulty in swallowing Difficulty in breathing An itching or burning sensation in the throat A sore throat Swelling of the tonsils Excess secretion of saliva Gagging and regurgitation (nasal) Fever Pain
If you happen to notice any of the above symptoms, it is best to get yourself diagnosed by a doctor to rule out other possible underlying conditions.
How To Diagnose The Cause Of Uvulitis
Uvulitis is most often a result of an underlying infection or condition. To diagnose the issue, your doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms, your medical history, the medications you are on, and the symptoms you have been experiencing. The doctor may also ask if you use tobacco, about your food allergies, and if you have been exposed to any toxic substance(s) recently. They may then do a physical examination to help in diagnosing your condition. If a physical assessment doesn’t reveal the cause, any of the following tests may be carried out to diagnose your condition. They may include:
Swab test – Your doctor may swab your throat or nostrils to test for infections.
Blood test – A blood test can also be conducted to rule out other infections.
If the test results are inconclusive, you may be referred to an allergist, who will carry out further skin and blood tests to identify foods or other substances that may have been causing the inflammation. In most cases, the cause of a swollen uvula is not of much concern. It is usually a result of an infection or allergy that can be treated. However, since the symptoms of uvulitis can be quite bothersome, here are some all-natural home remedies that can speed up the healing process. What’s more? Some of these remedies may also help in combating infections that are responsible for triggering an inflamed uvula.
8 Natural Remedies To Manage Uvulitis
1. Gargle With Warm Salt Water
1 teaspoon of table salt 1 glass of hot water
You may do this 2-3 times daily. Gargling to wash your throat is a common practice to prevent upper respiratory infections (1). Doing it daily can also help in treating a swollen uvula caused by such infections.
2. Hot Tea And Honey
½ – 1 teaspoon of your favorite tea powder 1 cup of water Honey
You can drink this 2-3 times daily. A warm cup of tea (or any hot drink) can help reduce the symptoms of a cough and throat infection (2). Adding honey to the tea increases its effectiveness (3). This can also help decrease the swelling of the uvula.
3. Ice Chips
A few ice chips made of distilled water Suck on a few ice chips. You may do this 1-2 times daily. While there is no particular study to back this claim, according to anecdotal evidence, sucking on ice chips can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation of the uvula.
4. Holy Basil Leaves
A handful of holy basil leaves A cup of water
You may do this 1-2 times daily for best results. Holy basil (tulsi) exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (4). It may thus help combat infections causing the condition and alleviate the symptoms of uvulitis.
5. Garlic
1-2 cloves of peeled garlic You may do this once daily for best results. Garlic possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (5), (6). These properties can help combat the infection-causing microbes that could be responsible for triggering uvulitis and reduce the swelling in your uvula.
6. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 glass of hot milk
You can drink this once daily. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities that can aid in fighting upper respiratory as well as other microbial infections (7). Its anti-inflammatory nature can also help in reducing the swelling of your uvula (8).
7. Essential Oils
Thyme or cinnamon essential oil A diffuser Water
You may do this once daily until your symptoms improve. Aromatherapy using essential oils of thyme or cinnamon can help in alleviating the symptoms of a throat infection due to their antimicrobial nature (9). These oils also exhibit anti-inflammatory activities (10). Both these properties help in reducing the swelling of the uvula and treating the infection causing the condition.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) 1 cup of warm water Honey
You may do this once daily. Apple cider vinegar possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (11), (12). It can not only help combat microbial infections, which are the main culprits behind uvulitis, but also reduce inflammation and swelling of your uvula. Try the above remedies for relief from a swollen uvula. However, if your condition does not clear on its own or despite using these remedies, consult with your doctor. They will suggest the appropriate treatment and tips to prevent recurrence of the condition.
How To Prevent A Swollen Uvula
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Have warm tea. Get ample rest to help your body heal fast when you are battling an infection. Limit your alcohol intake. Quit smoking. Stay away from potential triggers like a toxic environment or second-hand smoke. Stay away from foods that you are allergic to. Eat your meals on time.
Does ibuprofen help a swollen uvula? Ibuprofen is an NSAID that helps with inflammation, and it may help relieve a swollen uvula. However, in rare cases, NSAIDs may lead to NSAID-induced angioedema, a rare condition that causes a swollen uvula. It is advisable to seek medical guidance before self-medicating with NSAIDs if you have a swollen uvula. Do you need antibiotics for uvulitis? Uvulitis caused by a bacterial infection may need antibiotics to get better. However, in some cases, the condition may resolve on its own with self-care and home remedies. If an allergic reaction causes uvulitis, antibiotics will not help and you may be prescribed antihistamines and/or corticosteroids.
