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Uvulitis

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).

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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
• Reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus
• 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
• Reflux medicines to treat reflux-related irritation

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 the uvula.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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

Possible Complications

If swelling of the 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 the local emergency number, 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.

References

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.

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Review Date: 9/10/2023  

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

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