At the back of the tongue, what most people think of as the tonsils is the uvula. It is described as a hanging grape in the throat. It is responsible for bacteria screening and ensuring no bacteria can enter into the digestive system or the respiratory system. Why does swollen uvula happen? If my uvula becomes swollen, what can I do to deal with it? Now let's find all the answer.

How Does It Feel to Have Swollen Uvula?

There are various feelings that accompany a swollen uvula.

• When uvula swells, many people may feel a gagging or choking sensation because the uvula can actually swell to the point that it touches the back of the tongue. It will become painful to swallow food or drinks.
• In addition, a person who has a swollen uvula may also have headache, fever, vomiting and nausea.
• The person may also drool excessively as they have such a hard time swallowing.

When to See a Doctor

There are times in which a person needs to see a doctor for a swollen uvula. These conditions include:

• If the person is experiencing difficulty in breathing and swallowing;
• If they notice that they feel as though they are choking due to not getting enough oxygen;
• If there is pus or blood coming from the uvula.This could be a sign that the swelling has ruptured and immediate medical attention is needed.

Why Do I Have Swollen Uvula?

1. Throat Infection

Swollen uvula caused by viral or bacterial infection is very common. Some of the common infections are strep throat and infections that causes tonsillitis. Any infection that bothers the throat, nose or ears can result in the uvula swelling, as these are all connected.

2. Allergic Reactions

At times, there are allergic reactions responsible for the swelling of the uvula. These situations usually cause swelling in the throat and mouth, known as an anapestic allergic reaction. It requires immediate medical attention because it could cause difficulty in breathing and could lead to death if not treated.

3. Genetic Disorder

Hereditary Angioneurotic Edema, a genetic disorder caused by a gene mutation can lead to uvula and other body parts to swell. And it is common for the person have uvula swelling. Those who have this disorder normally first show signs in childhood.

4. Trauma

Although it is rare, there are certain injuries to the uvula that can cause swelling. This can happen when the uvula is seriously burned with hot food or drink. In addition, if a person were to have breathing tube inserted, this might cause issues.

How to Deal With Swollen Uvula

1. Home Remedies for Swollen Uvula

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric with water that contains a few ice cubs, let it sit for a few minutes and drink it. This ice tea is often considered the best natural remedy for a swollen uvula
• Gargling with warm salt water helps relieve the pain, decrease the swelling and get rid of existing infection in the body. This can be used several times per day.
• For tea lovers, enjoying a tea made with basil leaves can help ease the pain and reduce the swelling in the uvula. Adding basil leaves in a favorite tea can be helpful.
• Taking a few tablespoons of honey every day is a great way to help with swelling and fight infections behind it as honey is a natural bacteria fighting agent.
• When theswollen uvula is not caused by a cold or flu, then drinking cold liquids and eating ice cream can help to decrease the swelling.
• Dehydration often results in the swelling of uvula, so drinking plenty of water during the day to help in decreasing swelling. Most professionals recommend drinking 10 to 12 glasses of water per day when the uvula is swelling for this may be a sign that a person is severely dehydrated.
• For infection-induced swollen uvula, a round of antibiotics can help cure the infection and in return help with the swelling that the person is feeling.
• If one suspects himself of having swollen uvula, then following the description on the label, he can take antihistamineson his own toreduce the swelling and the accompanying itch.
• Steroids are given by a doctor to those whose swollen uvula is caused by an allergic reaction, like food allergy. Steroids work on the pain of the uvula, as well as the redness and swelling present.

2. Medications for Swollen Uvula

• For infection-induced swollen uvula, a round of antibiotics can help cure the infection and in return help with the swelling that the person is feeling.
• If one suspects himself of having swollen uvula, then following the description on the label, he can take antihistamineson his own toreduce the swelling and the accompanying itch.
• Steroids are given by a doctor to those whose swollen uvula is caused by an allergic reaction, like food allergy. Steroids work on the pain of the uvula, as well as the redness and swelling present.