There are many causes of uvulitis. Sometimes uvulitis can be resolved with a simple home remedy. Sometimes medical treatment is necessary. If you have uvulitis, your uvula will appear red, puffy, and larger than normal. Uvulitis may also be associated with:. If you have a swollen uvula along with a fever or abdominal pain, talk with your doctor right away. This can be an indication of an underlying medical issue that needs to be treated.
There are many types of uvulitis causes. Triggers for inflammation include:. Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can lead to reactions that include a swollen uvula. These factors include:. Certain infections can lead to irritation of your uvula that can cause uvulitis. Examples of viral infections that could lead to uvulitis include:.
The most common bacterial infection is strep throat, which could cause the uvula to become irritated and lead to uvulitis. Strep throat is caused by an infection with Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. If you have infected tonsils , or tonsillitis , severe inflammation can cause them to push against your uvula. This can cause your uvula to become irritated and swollen. Certain sexually transmitted diseases STDs could potentially contribute to uvulitis.
People whose immune systems have been compromised from HIV and genital herpes are at greater risk of oral thrush , which may lead to a swollen uvula. Trauma to your uvula can be caused by a medical condition or surgical procedure. Frequent vomiting or acid reflux from gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD can cause your throat and uvula to become irritated. Your uvula can be damaged during an intubation, such as during surgery. Your uvula can also be injured during a tonsillectomy.
This is a procedure to remove your tonsils, which are located on both sides of your uvula. An uncommon condition called hereditary angioedema can cause swelling of the uvula and throat, as well as swelling of the face, hands, and feet. However, it only occurs in 1 in 10, to 1 in 50, people, according to the US Hereditary Angioedema Association. Elongated uvula is a rare genetic condition in which the uvula is larger than normal. Like uvulitis, it can interfere with breathing.
However, unlike uvulitis, when treatment is necessary, surgery is the only option. The uvula also aids in your speaking ability and prevents choking by triggering the gag reflex. There are many conditions that can lead to a swollen uvula, ranging from a temporary infection to genetics.
In most cases, it is a symptom associated with temporary conditions such as a virus or allergic reaction. Swelling, redness, and soreness of the uvula is referred to as uvulitis. If your uvula is swollen for more than a week, you should speak to a doctor. Uvulitis is an inflammation of the uvula, typically caused by a response to injury, allergic reaction, infection, or illness. Symptoms of inflammation may include redness, irritation, itching, or burning.
Swelling is one of the most common symptoms of uvulitis—it can cause the mucous membrane around the uvula to expand to 3—5 times its normal size. While uvulitis can affect people of all ages, it is typically more common in children than adults.
The most common bacterial infection to cause uvulitis is strep throat , which is caused by an infection of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Infections that cause the nasal passages to block up and force you to breathe through your mouth make it easier to develop uvulitis. While a sore throat , and by extension a swollen uvula, can be a symptom of coronavirus , Yale Medicine laryngologist, Dr. There are certain environmental and lifestyle factors that can inhibit proper uvula function and contribute to uvulitis, including:.
Your uvula can be damaged during procedures that are done in close proximity to the area, such as a tonsillectomy or intubation.
Frequent vomiting or acid reflux can also cause your throat and uvula to become irritated. While uncommon, a swollen uvula and uvulitis can be caused by a condition called hereditary angioedema.
Unlike uvulitis, an elongated uvula is a genetic condition that causes similar symptoms such as trouble breathing and sleep apnea.
An elongated uvula can only be treated through surgery. When you have uvulitis, your uvula will feel sore and appear red and inflamed. Your uvula may even touch your tongue or throat, making it feel as if something is stuck in the back of your throat.
In some cases, the sound of your voice may also be affected. If you have a swollen uvula along with a fever or pain, you should speak with a doctor. This could be an indication of an underlying medical issue that needs to be treated. A swollen uvula will appear larger and redder than a normal uvula—something you can examine by opening your mouth and looking into a mirror. In some cases, the cause can be obvious, like an allergic reaction. However, if your symptoms worsen, it's important to see your doctor just in case you have a more serious condition.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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