How to Treat a Swollen Uvula

The uvula is a flap of tissue that hangs at the back of the throat between the tonsils. Its purpose is to block food from entering the nasal passage during eating. It also functions in speech helping to form consonant sounds in certain non-English languages. The uvula can become inflamed, swollen, and irritated causing pain or difficulty swallowing. There are several causes of a swollen uvula and the swelling can be an isolated occurrence or a re-occurring problem. Swelling of the uvula usually resolves itself. If the swelling does not begin to improve within eight to twelve hours or you have a fever with the swelling, contact your medical provider. If the swelling interferes with breathing get medical help immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Fluids
• table salt
• antihistamine

Instructions

Cause and treatment

1. Stop smoking. Smoking irritates the throat and uvula and can lead to swelling and pain.

2. Drink alcohol in moderation. Excessive alcohol irritates the throat causing redness, pain, and swelling of the uvula.

3. Give your voice a rest. Throat irritation from yelling or excessive talking can cause some swelling to the uvula. Rest your voice.

4. Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration and dry mouth causes swelling of the uvula.

5. Gargle. Swelling of the uvula can occur due to a viral or bacterial infection in the throat. If you have an infection in the throat, gargle. A salt water gargle can decrease the irritation and swelling and offer some relief from the discomfort.

6. Get checked for allergies. If swelling of the uvula is a frequent occurrence, it may be due to an allergic reaction

7. Take an antihistamine. If you suspect a bug bite may be the cause of the swelling take an antihistamine. People who sleep with their mouth open are more likely to have a bug bite occur in the mouth during sleep. Unless contraindicated, an antihistamine can be taken to decrease the pain and swelling.

8. Take an over the counter pain medication. The uvula is sometimes injured during eating. The pain and swelling may respond to an over the counter pain killer or sore throat spray.

Tips & Warnings

• Get immediate medical help if the swelling interferes with your breathing.

References

• "Uvula"
• Sottosanti, M., May 31,2005. "The Uvula"
• Lipkin, Alan MDS Aug.6,2009. "Snoring"