Uvulitis is a medical condition where the uvula (the teardrop flesh hanging on top of your soft palate) is inflamed. The purpose of the uvula is to secret saliva to keep your mouth moist and lubricated. It also prevents food and liquids from entering the area behind your nose.
There are many causes leading to uvulitis, such as infection, allergies or trauma. Fortunately, uvulitis is only temporary and can be entirely treated.
Patient with a swollen uvula
What causes swollen uvula?
Causes of swollen uvula
1. Infection
Infections such as a common cold may cause you to have a swollen uvula. Alongside this, your throat may be sore and red for more than a week.
There are two types of uvula infections, bacterial or viral. Most infections caused by a virus do not have a treatment. Hence, you will need to wait until it completely clears up. Infections caused by bacteria can be treated with a doctor’s prescribed antibiotics.
We can easily distinguish a bacterial uvula infection from a viral uvula infection through the white bumps or spots on the tonsils, a trait seen when your uvula is infected with bacteria only.
2. Allergies
Some environmental irritants or allergens such as dust, pollen, hair, fur, and certain chemical substances such as tobacco or smoke can trigger uvula inflammation. Similarly, food allergies can also aggravate the symptoms of uvulitis.
A qualified medical doctor may be able to diagnose the causes of your allergies. It is best to consult a doctor for your allergy issues to prevent severe symptoms in the future.
3. Injury/trauma
Friction of uvula against any other external materials may exacerbate or initiate symptoms of uvulitis. Similarly, swallowing large food particles or objects can cause injury to the uvula, leading to uvula inflammation.
Concerned about your uvula?
Call us now at 02 9558 8988 or email us at info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to organise an appointment to have it checked out today.