Why does uvula swell

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Uvulitis: Causes and Treatment for Swollen Uvula. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Symptoms of uvulitis. What causes a swollen uvula? Risk factors for a swollen uvula. Home remedies for a swollen uvula. Diagnosing the cause of uvulitis. Medical treatment for a swollen uvula. Talk to your doctor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. What Causes White Spots on the Throat? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

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The rapid air creates a suction current as it passes the uvula. This suction current will pull on the uvula and stretch it creating swelling. The more swollen it gets the louder the snoring.

The suction current can also pull the tongue back in to the throat creating sleep apnea. The bed partner might notice the loud and annoying snoring is interrupted followed by a large gasp or resumption of loud snoring. The good news is that this issue can be easily corrected by a simple office procedure.

Our advanced balloon sinuplasty procedure done in the office under IV sedation can make the nasal airway beautifully open at night to resolve this issue. And our special uvulaplasty can be performed to shorten and stiffen the uvula as well.

If you suffer from snoring and a swollen uvula, come for a consultation. Call our office at Tagged with: Snoring , swollen uvula. Posted in: Balloon Sinuplasty , Sinus and Nasal. That's known as your uvula. Usually, you're unaware of its presence, but if the uvula swells, it can feel like something is stuck in your throat. A swollen uvula may get better by itself, but if the condition becomes serious, you could need immediate professional care. Here's what to know about this condition. The medical term for inflammation of the uvula is uvulitis, according to the Government of Alberta , and the most common cause of uvulitis is an infection, though allergies may also be a cause.

When your uvula is infected, it becomes swollen and red. Additionally, your throat may feel sore, and you may find swallowing difficult and painful.

As your body tackles the infection, you may run a fever, too. An article published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine states that the condition may be isolated to the uvula or it may extend to the pharynx and epiglottis. The pharynx is the back of the throat, and the epiglottis is a small flap that covers the windpipe when we swallow. The same home remedies you would use for a sore throat may be all it takes to treat a case of uvulitis.

The Government of Alberta recommends gargling every hour with a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help to ease your sore uvula, unless you have a condition that requires you to limit your fluid intake. Over-the-counter throat sprays for sore throats and pain medicines can sometimes help, but you should consult your doctor before using these and follow the instructions on the medication labels closely.

In addition, avoid smoking, or your inflamed uvula could become worse. As the Government of Alberta explains, your physician might prescribe antibiotics for a swollen uvula brought on by bacterial infection. Alternately, if the swelling is due to an allergic reaction, they may prescribe steroids and antihistamines.

During or after your course of medication, your doctor may ask you to return for one or more follow-up appointments.

Even if your symptoms have gone away, you should attend subsequent appointments to ensure your safety and health.