The uvula is the one part of the body that is often confused with several other body parts, especially the tonsils. Although the two are close to each other in the mouth cavity, they are not in any way the same. However, the misperception persists, and often people seek remedy for treating the uvula by seeking for a treatment of the tonsils. This misconception has countless of times resulted in missing the point of properly treating the disorder.
The uvula performs a lot for the human body. It is critical in vocal modulation, and it serves as a “screen” for anything that is taken in through the mouth.
There are many reasons why the uvula can become swollen. In any case, once the uvula is swollen, the result is that the person has difficulty in swallowing and in modulating his voice. As a matter of fact, singers are taking a lot of caution into properly protecting their uvula to help maintain their vocal quality.
Causes of Swollen Uvula
Various reasons have been put forward to explain as to why the uvula becomes swollen. The most common causes are the following:
- Dehydration. Dehydration is the most common factor causing uvula swelling. This happens when the body gets little liquid and forces the uvula to soak in saliva.
- Smoking and inhalation of pollutants. Smoking can dry up the uvula, which makes it itchy in the process. As a result, the uvula swells as a natural reaction to the pollutants.
- Allergic reaction and viral and bacterial infections.
Home Remedies and Treatment for Swollen Uvula
Although not life threatening in itself, a swollen uvula can be annoying and in cases of people who speak a lot, the disorder causes a lot of concern. As such, the following are the most recommended treatment for a swollen uvula:
- Drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Drinking water helps in “refreshing” the uvula, allowing it to perform well, despite being strained to usage. This also helps in keeping the body well hydrated.
- In cases of viral infection, gargling lukewarm water with salt is the best home remedy. Make sure that the water is not too hot so as to scald your uvula (and the mouth cavity in general). Lukewarm water will suit the purpose just fine.
- In some instances, although rare, people with history of recurring swollen uvula needs to inject medications just when the problem is about to take place again.
Here is what Yvette found useful for treating Swollen Uvula:
Difficulty swallowing and constantly hacking trying to get what felt like phlegm balls stuck in the back of my throat. My problem started 2 years ago when I got on wellbutrin. I though the swallowing difficulty was just a side effect. I am not usually so slow in my self diagnostics, but I’ve always had sinus problems and GERD and tonsillitis. Last night was the last straw. Looked it up “long, stretched out, swollen uvulas” and here I am!
Being somewhat of an herbalist, I started making my concotions based on all suggestions I came across. My symptoms are definitely alleviated.
- Half cup filtered water
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp honey (local, but doubt it matters)
- And 1/8 tsp Hot curry powder (it’s all I had at midnight that contained turmeric)
- Warmed/dissolved in microwave for 1min on medium.
- Gargled and spat a few times and was amazed at how tasty it came out. Tasted just like broth made from a Ramen seasoning packet!
- I even swallowed a few sips to wash down 3 Ibuprofen. It really really helped!
I just woke up and repeated the routine. It’s helping me cough out actual phlegm and not exacerbate my uvula trying to cough out imaginary phlegm.
If your throat is very irritated, though, I don’t recommend using something spicy like curry.
Today, I’m going to do a sinus flush with my Neti pot.
Another home remedy for an irritated throat I make that would work great for all these symptoms are herbal tea blends straight from your spice rack.
- Oregano, rosemary, spearmint (very high in potassium).
- Boil ingredients, strain and sweeten with honey. Great for congestion and dehydration.
- Boiling Osha root (might only be available in New Mexico, but call around to herb shops). This is fantastic for your throat. Cured my complete laryngitis in a day.