Is uvulitis serious?
Have you ever wondered why when we eat, we rarely choke on food? This is thanks to uvula, the little fleshy hanging ball in the back of the throat. Uvula prevents food and liquid from going up to the nose when swallowed. Uvula is also able to produce saliva that helps to prevent dry throat. However, uvula can be affected by diseases such as uvulitis. In the world of medicine, uvulitis is a disease that can affect a person’s health.
Uvulitis is the inflammation of the uvula. Uvulitis is usually associated with inflammation of other mouth parts such as the palate, tonsils or throat. Uvulitis is mainly caused by an infection with streptococcus bacteria. Other causes include infection, irritation, trauma, malignancy or allergy. Injury can occur from medical procedures such as endoscopy and surgery. Trauma could also be from acid reflux in contact with uvula. Irritation can come from certain chemicals or smoking. In normal conditions, people are always unaware of uvula presence. When uvulitis occurs, it swells and often feels like something is stuck in the throat.
People with uvulitis initially complain there is something in the throat (foreign body sensation). Other symptoms such as fever, coughing and pain while swallowing are common. Patients may also have excessive saliva. Fever is often signs that the body is fighting infection causing uvulitis. Swallowing difficulty often makes a person have less to no appetite. Uvulitis may extend to the back pharynx (back of the throat and epiglottis (small flap covering windpipe when swallowing).
Doctors typically diagnose uvulitis based on physical examination. Signs of inflammation to the throat and uvula are suggestive for uvulitis. Doctors may perform other tests such as blood tests, throat swabs or allergy tests to find the root cause of the disease. Once the cause is found, it makes it easier for doctors to provide the necessary treatment.
Uvulitis may get better on its own without medicines. Treatment given by doctors will depend on the causes. This includes antibiotics if there are signs of bacterial infection and antihistamines to treat allergic reactions causing uvulitis. Doctors may prescribe steroids to reduce swelling of the uvula. If infection is caused by a virus, the patient typically does not get treatment. Doctors may suggest painkillers in some cases and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
Beside treatment, patients can do home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms. Patients should get plenty of rest. Gargling every hour with a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water can relieve the sore throat. Drinking plenty of fluid can ease sore uvula. It is worth noting that certain medical conditions may actually limit fluid intake. Using over-the-counter throat sprays or lozenge can be helpful. If patients do smoke, they need to avoid smoking as continued smoking will worsen uvulitis.
Due to the fact that uvula hangs at the back of the mouth which is directly in the airway, uvulitis may actually be a medical emergency. Shortness of breath, dehydration, difficulty swallowing or severe pain should be signs that the person with uvulitis needs to get checked by a doctor immediately. Discharge from the uvula such as blood or pus are also signs to get urgent medical attention. Swelling that does not go away may need surgery to remove part of the uvula.
In essence, uvulitis is the inflammation to the uvula. Most cases are caused by the streptococcal infection. Symptoms such as sore throat and feeling something stuck in the throat are among the common symptoms reported. Uvulitis usually goes away in 1 to 2 days. It is important to treat uvulitis as to leave it untreated can cause breathing difficulties. Whole uvulitis in most cases is considered not serious, it can be serious if it affects breathing. It is important for patients with uvulitis symptoms to get checked by a doctor if they are unable to eat properly, worsening symptoms and returning symptoms even after treatment. Uvulitis may not be entirely prevented but those with allergy may want to avoid allergen that could trigger an immune response and cause uvulitis. Those who smoke need to understand that smoking not only leads to a high chance for uvulitis but also many other medical conditions.
In rare cases, snoring can cause uvula to swell. This type of snoring is known as obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which snoring may actually cause breathing to stop. Since snoring can be the case for a swollen uvula, it is best to discuss with doctor if patient have symptoms such as waking up with sore throat, often wake up another person sleeping with, feel sleepy during the day even after a full sleep at night, chest pain at night and those with high blood pressure. Risk for developing sleep apnea can be reduced by maintaining healthy weight and practising an active healthy lifestyle. Patients may need to use nasal decongestant, mouth guard and even CPAP devices as recommended by their doctor.