Swollen Uvula After Drinking

Uvula, which is often mistaken as the tonsil, may get inflamed due to various reasons. It can cause severe pain and discomfort and the affected person may experience a choking or gagging sensation in the throat, depending upon the size of the swollen uvula. It has been observed that the uvula can get enlarged up to five times its normal size. The various swollen uvula causes include, common cold, allergies, infection caused by virus or bacteria, acid reflux, inflammation of other neighboring parts, like tonsils, etc. Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption and snoring may also contribute to uvula swelling. One of the common causes cited for this condition is dehydration, which in turn can be due to less intake of water, or excess alcohol consumption and smoking. Know more about the uvula functions.

Drinking Alcohol and Swollen Uvula
Swollen uvula is a condition, which is experienced by most of the people who consume alcohol in large amounts. So, it is clear that there is some link between drinking alcohol and swollen uvula. It may be due to allergy in people that are allergic to alcohol. But, in most cases, this condition occurs as a result of dehydration caused by the alcohol in the body. It is a well known fact that alcohol causes dehydration, because the former is a diuretic, which increases urination and flushes water from the body. Alcohol contains toxins and it takes more water for the body to flush out these toxins. It also dries up the tissues by removing the bodily fluid. Above all, alcohol dehydrates the mucous membranes and this results in a strep throat and leads to difficulty in respiration. Thus, alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, and this, in turn, may cause swollen uvula after drinking. This is the reason why swollen uvula is common in people who drink alcohol. Read more on uvula infections and uvula problems.

Remedies for Swollen Uvula After Drinking
Swollen uvula is not a life-threatening condition and can be cured with some home remedies. You may try any of the following swollen uvula remedies and you will get relief within 24 hours.

• As the condition, in your case, is caused by alcoholism and dehydration, the first thing you have to do is to drink lots of fluids to rehydrate your body.
• If you are not having a cold, you may try to consume some ice cream or cold water to soothe your throat.
• Avoid foods high in fats and carbohydrates. It is also advisable to have more fruits and vegetables, in order to counter swollen uvula after drinking.
• You may also go for some home remedies like, honey, tea with ginger or basil leaves, etc.
• Another home remedy for swollen uvula after drinking alcohol is gargling, especially with lukewarm saltwater or water with turmeric.
• You may also resort to over-the-counter medicines, like throat sprays or pain killers.
• Avoid the drying of the throat by sucking on some lozenges or sweets.

If the condition does not subside with home remedies, even after a day or two, you must consult your doctor. The same applies for those who develop swollen uvula after drinking due to allergy. If the condition is very severe, then too, you must approach a doctor at the earliest.