Swollen Uvula Causes

The uvula is the small fleshy mass that hangs down from the rear portion of the soft palate. The name 'uvula' is derived from the word 'uva', which means 'grape' in Latin. This grape-shaped uvula is made of tissue and muscle and it is involved in the articulation of sound and speech. Had the uvula been absent, any swallowed food could have entered the nasal cavity. This is because swallowing anything causes the uvula and the soft palate to move and close off the nasopharynx (cavity forming the upper part of the pharynx). In short, the uvula can be regarded as a 'screening mechanism' for anything that enters our throat. Also, it is responsible for acting as a barrier for bacteria or other microorganisms that may enter the body through the digestive tract. A swollen uvula could be caused due to many reasons, and the affected person experiences great difficulty in swallowing food and in voice modulating. Here is an overview of swollen uvula causes.

Causes of Swollen Uvula

# Some people who have the habit of sleeping with their mouth open, have high chances of developing a dry throat. This is because they tend to breathe out of their mouths, and this could be caused a swollen uvula. People living in arid climates or dry conditions often experience dehydration due to low water intake. This may also cause uvula swelling, as when the body has a dearth of water, the uvula is forced to soak in saliva.

The condition is common among smokers, and those who work in highly polluted areas. Smoking and other pollutants or irritants dry up the uvula and cause itching, which causes the swelling.

Snoring is another habit which may not be unpleasant for the person who is snoring, but it definitely is for the person sleeping next to him. Snoring occurs when the back of the throat and tongue meets with the soft palate and the uvula. This results in the obstruction of air flow while inhaling and exhaling, thus causing the person to snore. So this malfunctioning in the breathing process which also involves the uvula, may be one of the reasons for the swelling.

As always, viral and bacterial infections are the most common offenders. Apart from uvula infections, severe allergic reactions from certain medications or allergens also contribute to the swelling. A swollen uvula is also the outcome of acid reflux or tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils, especially the palatine tonsils).

Consuming extremely hot food or liquid may burn the uvula and cause swelling. Alcohol abuse, mouth ulcers or a canker sore anywhere near the uvula, may also be included among the many swollen uvula causes.

Home Remedies for Swollen Uvula

One of the best home remedies for swollen uvula is to gargle with lukewarm water, mixed with a little salt. This greatly helps in lowering the pain and reducing the swelling. If there is any accompanying common cold, it may further aggravate the swelling. So adding a small pinch of turmeric to a glass of ice water and drinking it will keep the cold from getting worse. Chewing 2 - 3 cloves of garlic twice a day, also helps in healing a swollen uvula. Consuming honey on a daily basis will save the uvula from any toxicity and help in a faster recovery. As dehydration is also one of the reasons of the condition, drinking plenty of water would also help in reducing the swelling and pain.

A swollen uvula is not a fatal medical condition or illness, however, it may precede other problems in the body. So it is best to consult an Otolaryngology specialist who can diagnose the underlying swollen uvula causes and may prescribe medications accordingly. He may also suggest some changes in the patient's diet and lifestyle.