Everyone knows that bell-shaped organ hanging from the roof of the throat, but do you know what it is called? It is Uvula - pronounced as You-View-La. It helps us in talking and in swallowing food without choking. It can get inflamed because of an allergy, trauma or viral/bacterial infection. Inflammation of the uvula is known as uvulitis. Although this condition is not serious and life-threatening, it can cause severe discomfort and pain. Uvula enlarges up to 3 to 5 times compared to its original size. The mucous membrane surrounding it expands and touches the tongue causing gagging or choking feeling in the throat. Let’s see the causes and treatments for the uvula infection.
Uvulitis patient experiences trouble in speaking, breathing and eating. General causes of the condition are medical conditions (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, epiglottitis, acid reflux, common colds, sore throat, canker sore or mouth ulcer), allergen reactions and virus or bacteria related infections. It can be even caused by consuming extremely cold or hot foods and certain lifestyle habits like dehydration, excessive smoking, heavy alcoholic consumption and frequent snoring. The inflamed uvula becomes normal in 24 hours without any treatment, but if it persists more than that contact your physician immediately. You can alleviate the symptoms using over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
Swollen Uvula Symptoms:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are given to the patients when inflammation is due to a viral/bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful in a viral infection. You should consume antibiotics till the condition is treated.
Antihistamines and Steroids
If allergen reactions are the cause of uvulitis, then antihistamines and steroids are prescribed. Antihistamine like Benadryl reduces the itching and inflammation whereas steroids lessen redness, pain and inflammation.
Uvulitis patient experiences trouble in speaking, breathing and eating. General causes of the condition are medical conditions (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, epiglottitis, acid reflux, common colds, sore throat, canker sore or mouth ulcer), allergen reactions and virus or bacteria related infections. It can be even caused by consuming extremely cold or hot foods and certain lifestyle habits like dehydration, excessive smoking, heavy alcoholic consumption and frequent snoring. The inflamed uvula becomes normal in 24 hours without any treatment, but if it persists more than that contact your physician immediately. You can alleviate the symptoms using over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
Swollen Uvula Symptoms:
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing
- Swollen tonsils
- Headache
- Hoarseness of voice
- Fever
- Discharges from the throat, usually pus
- Severe feeling of nausea
- Desire to cough
- Throat irritation
Treatments for Uvula Infection:
The symptoms of the infection can be reduced by taking over-the-counter medications. Doctors prescribe medications according to the source of the inflammation.Antibiotics
Antibiotics are given to the patients when inflammation is due to a viral/bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful in a viral infection. You should consume antibiotics till the condition is treated.
Antihistamines and Steroids
If allergen reactions are the cause of uvulitis, then antihistamines and steroids are prescribed. Antihistamine like Benadryl reduces the itching and inflammation whereas steroids lessen redness, pain and inflammation.
Home remedies for Uvula Infection:
- Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily as the condition is caused by dehydration.
- Make a solution of turmeric (½ tsp) & water (one glass) and add ice cubes (one or two). After 4 to 5 minutes, drink it.
- Simply eat honey on daily basis for faster uvula recovery.
- Chew 2 to 3 garlic cloves daily to decrease the swelling of the uvula.
- Take a small bowl of lukewarm water and add a pinch of salt. Gargle with this salt water. It will decrease pain and swelling.
- Make turmeric and jaggery paste and take it two times a day.
- Drinking tea prepared from basil leaves two times a day can help to reduce inflammation. To make tea, just steep 10-15 holy basil leaves in one cup of hot water.
- Consume ice creams and cold water (if you do not have a cold).
- In warm lemon juice, add honey and drink it. This will soothe the pain.
- Combine 1tsp of apple cider vinegar and 1 glass of warm water. Take this solution and gargle for 2 to 3 times a day.
- Increase the consumption of foods high in vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts immune system.
- Stay away from fried, oily, processed and refined foods.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
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