Buzz
The piece of tissue hanging at the back of your throat is called the uvula! Sometimes, the uvula becomes swollen, causing difficulty swallowing, a gagging feeling, or even drooling in young children. There are several causes for uvula swelling, including bacterial and viral infections, allergies, dry mouth, acid reflux, and even genetic factors. If you notice redness and swelling of the uvula, there are a few things you can do at home, such as gargling with warm water, using throat lozenges, and chewing crushed ice to ease the symptoms. However, if the condition doesn’t improve or if you have a child with a swollen uvula, it is best to see a doctor.
Steps
How to Treat a Swollen Uvula
Gargle with warm salt water. Warm water soothes the throat, while salt helps reduce inflammation in the uvula. Be sure not to use water that is too hot, as it can burn the throat and worsen the condition. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt to 240 ml of warm water and stir until dissolved.
- You can gargle with warm salt water up to three times a day, but make sure not to swallow the saltwater. Excessive salt intake can lead to other health problems.
Use throat lozenges. You can choose any type you prefer, but if you’re experiencing significant discomfort or difficulty swallowing, numbing lozenges may be the best option.
- You can find sugar-free lozenges in stores – they are usually clearly marked on the packaging. Throat lozenges are great when you're sick, but they may cause other concerns, such as diabetes.
Drink hot tea and stay hydrated. Hot liquids can provide relief for your throat and help keep it moist while you work on reducing the swelling. Adding a little honey to your tea can coat your throat and make swallowing easier.
- Herbal tea is particularly effective for soothing a sore throat. Chamomile tea with a little honey can help reduce pain.
- You can also try cinnamon tea to calm your throat. Combine 10g of slippery elm bark with 10g of marshmallow root, 8g of dried cinnamon chips, 5g of dried orange peel, and 3 cloves in 3 cups (700 ml) of water. Simmer for 20 minutes, strain the herbs, and add honey if desired. Drink it within 36 hours.
Chew crushed ice. Ice can help reduce swelling in the uvula. The cold temperature numbs the throat and makes swallowing easier.
Visit a doctor. There are many reasons why your uvula might be swollen. You should visit a doctor and explain all your symptoms. The doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms and treat the underlying cause.
- The doctor may need to take a throat swab to diagnose the exact cause of the swelling. Relax your throat and try not to tense up – you’ll get through it with ease.
Take antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the diagnosis points to an infection. Be sure to follow the instructions on the prescription. You need to take the antibiotics at the same time each day until the full course is completed to effectively treat the infection.
Recognizing Symptoms
Check for difficulty swallowing. If you find it hard to swallow, whether it's food, drink, or even saliva, your uvula may be swollen. Try swallowing a few times to make sure that it's really the swallowing difficulty and not a large piece of food or a large sip of water that is causing the issue.
- If you're having difficulty swallowing along with trouble breathing, contact a doctor immediately.
Be aware of the feeling of choking or gagging. If your uvula is swollen, you might experience the sensation of gagging or choking, even if nothing is in your throat. Since the uvula hangs at the back of your throat, any swelling can give you the feeling of wanting to gag at any moment.
Watch for excessive drooling. This is an important symptom to pay attention to, especially in young children who can't describe their feelings. If you notice your child drooling more than usual, it could indicate that their uvula is swollen, and you should seek immediate medical care.
Take your temperature. Swelling of the uvula is often caused by a bacterial infection, which typically comes with a fever. If you're having trouble swallowing or gagging, take your temperature to check if you have a fever. While everyone’s normal body temperature can vary, a temperature above 37°C indicates a fever.
- If you have a fever, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. A fever could signal a more serious issue, and even a mild fever in children can be dangerous.
Observe for redness or swelling. If you suspect your uvula is swollen, use a mirror to check. Stand in front of a mirror tall enough to see your full face or use a hand mirror held high. Open your mouth as wide as possible and look at your uvula (the droplet-shaped piece of tissue at the back of your throat); if the uvula appears red or swollen, you should see a doctor.
Preventing Swollen Uvula
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking too much alcohol can cause the uvula to swell. If you notice swelling and it goes away on its own, try cutting back on alcohol consumption.
- If this doesn't work and the swelling persists, you should visit a doctor for further examination and treatment.
Quit smoking. Smoke from cigarettes and cigars can irritate the throat and lead to swelling of the uvula, especially if there’s a lot of smoke in your throat. If you frequently experience uvula swelling, try to quit smoking.
Take allergy medication. Since a swollen uvula can be a sign of an allergic reaction, you should take the appropriate allergy medication for your condition. If you've never been diagnosed with allergies but notice swelling after eating certain foods, see a doctor immediately. Any allergic reaction that causes swelling in the throat needs immediate treatment, as it could affect your breathing.
Warning
- If you're experiencing difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, fever, or if there is blood or pus coming from your uvula, seek medical attention immediately.
