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What does a swollen uvula and sore throat mean?
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.
How long does it take for a swollen uvula to go down?
Uvulitis usually resolves in 1 to 2 days either on its own or with treatment.
Should I go to the hospital for a swollen uvula?
If you are experiencing an uncomplicated case of a swollen uvula, drinking cold fluids or sucking/eating ice chips may ease your pain and help the swelling to go down. But if the uvula swells so much that you can’t swallow or talk, or you have difficulty breathing, you should go to the nearest emergency room.
Can your uvula get infected?
If the immune system is not able to remove a harmful organism like a virus or bacterium, the uvula can become infected. With uvulitis, a person may feel as if something is stuck in the back of their throat as well as experience difficulty swallowing. In some cases, the sound of the voice may also be affected.
How do you relieve a swollen uvula?
To help manage the symptoms of a swollen uvula, you can:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Try warm or cold foods to soothe the area.
- Keep the air moist with a humidifier.
- Suck on a lozenge to keep your throat moist.
Will ibuprofen help a swollen uvula?
Try an over-the-counter throat spray to relieve throat pain. Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
How do you sleep with a swollen uvula?
Sleeping on an incline can help you breathe easier and help clear mucus, which drip down the back of your throat and cause irritation. You can prop yourself up by using pillows or raise the head of your bed.
How do you fix a swollen uvula?
Is uvulitis serious?
Uvulitis is often associated with inflammation or infection of other regions of the mouth, like the palate, throat or tonsils. Although most cases of uvulitis are not serious and resolve on their own, symptoms of severe or sudden swelling, high fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing demand medical attention.
What if your uvula is touching your tongue?
When the uvula touches the throat or tongue, it can cause sensations like gagging or choking, although there is no foreign matter present. This can cause problems with breathing, talking, and eating.
How do you treat Uvulitis?
Your provider may suggest you do the following at home to ease your symptoms:
- Get lots of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Gargle with warm salt water to reduce swelling.
- Take over the counter pain medicine.
- Use throat lozenges or a throat spray to help with the pain.
What causes swollen uvula?
Infections are among the most common causes of a swollen uvula. These infections may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial infections are typically treated with prescription antibiotics, while viral infections are frequently left to run their course, although antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
When the uvula is swollen?
A swollen uvula is often seen as an allergic reaction, in those, who are prone to allergies. Viral and bacterial infections may also cause uvula swelling. Another reason is exposure to extreme hot food or drink, which can burn the uvula that may appear swollen.
Why is my throat swollen but not sore?
Causes of swollen tonsils with no sore throat. When one contracts some viral or bacterial infection after the contact with an infected person, it may be one of the causes of the swollen tonsils with no sore throat.
How do you get uvulitis?
Uvulitis is severe swelling of your uvula. The uvula is the small piece of tissue that hangs in the back of your throat. Uvulitis is usually caused by an infection, an injury to the back of the throat, or an allergic reaction.