Uvula Swelling

The uvula is a small conical projection at the posterior end of the mouth cavity. It is seen as hanging from the middle of the soft palate. The uvula is made of connective tissues containing racemose glands and a few muscle fibers. One of the primary functions of the uvula is to help in the articulation of sounds during speech. It also moves along with the soft palate to close the nasopharynx, while swallowing the food. This action prevents the entry of food to the nasal cavity. It is also believed that the uvula helps filter anything that enters the cavity. Anything, which can cause harm to the uvula, can irritate the organ and result in the swelling of the uvula.

Causes of Uvula Swelling

Uvula swelling can happen due to various reasons, like the common cold. Other than a cold, uvula swelling can be caused as a result of some allergy. Some people develop allergic reactions, once exposed to any particular allergen and the allergic reactions may include a swollen uvula. Viral and bacterial infections can lead to uvula swelling. Another reason is exposure to extreme hot food or liquid, which can burn the uvula. The uvula may get swollen due to such burns. A very cold food or liquid may also cause the same.

Apart from the above said causes, the uvula can swell up due to severe dehydration, excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, snoring, or inhalation of any irritants. A mouth ulcer or a canker sore, anywhere near the uvula, can also be a reason for the inflammation of the organ. Any such inflammation can cause difficulty in swallowing, as the uvula can expand upto five times its normal size. An enlarged uvula makes it difficult for the affected person to talk, breathe and eat.

Remedies for Uvula Swelling

An enlarged uvula is not considered fatal to the health of the affected person, but can cause severe discomfort. The following are some of the remedies for uvula swelling.

• Gargling with lukewarm salt water can provide relief to the person with a swollen uvula. But make sure that the water is not too hot. You can even replace salt with apple cider vinegar. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water and gargle the solution twice or thrice a day. Be careful not to add more than the recommended amount.
• If the inflammation is due to a cold, cough or any other infection, the uvula swelling will also subside with the treatment for the infection.
• Uvula swelling due to dehydration can be treated with the intake of water and other liquids. Orange juice is considered the best cure for this condition.
• You can also try some home remedies, like consuming turmeric water or honey, in order to reduce the swelling.

Whatever may be the reason, it is always advisable to consult an Otolaryngology specialist to find out the cause and treat the condition. Though uvula swelling is not a life threatening condition, it can be a sign of any other problem, like some allergy, acid reflux, etc. So make it a point to seek medical advice, if you are experiencing recurrent uvula swelling.