Uvulitis is a condition in which that dangling piece of flesh (uvula) at the back of your throat gets enlarged and swollen. Many people don’t even think about their uvula or may not even know what its role is. Well, a uvula helps with speech articulation as well as filtering out bacteria that might contribute to respiratory and digestive problems.

If caught early enough, uvulitis won’t result in complications, but if the inflammation of the uvula continues without treatment, then complications can arise. In some individuals, a swollen uvula gets so big that it actually touches the tongue and may trigger gagging or choking sensations, causing eating, talking, and even breathing difficulties.

Although uvulitis isn’t a common condition, it can still occur nevertheless, so we are here to explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment for swollen uvula in case you or someone you know ever develops the condition.
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Causes of swollen uvula
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There are numerous causes for a swollen uvula – some more serious than others. In any case, it’s important to see your doctor in order to reduce your risk of uvulitis-related complications. Here are 25 possible causes of swollen uvula.

Allergies and hay fever: A person with a severe allergy who comes in contact with their allergen can experience swelling and closing of the throat. In this scenario, the swollen uvula may even prompt for emergency care. Seek medical attention right away if a person is going into an anaphylactic shock.

Hereditary angioneurotic edema: In this condition, caused by a gene mutation, different areas of the body can become swollen – uvula included. This is quite rare, and the first sign of hereditary angioneurotic edema usually presents itself during childhood.

Genetic conditions: Other genetic conditions aside from hereditary angioneurotic edema can result in swollen uvula. Some individuals may have an elongated uvula, and although the symptoms of uvulitis and elongated uvula are the same, they are different conditions.

Throat infections, bacterial infections: Although the role of the uvula is to filter through bacteria to keep the digestive and respiratory systems healthy, it can contract bacterial or throat infections on its own. Strep throat, for example, can result in a swollen uvula along with tonsillitis. Treating bacterial infections can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Tonsillectomy or post-surgery recovery: Surgery on the nose and mouth can cause swollen uvula. It is quite common for a patient to experience uvulitis after a surgery as a result of anesthesia.

Inflamed uvula from drinking alcohol: A person with an alcohol allergy can experience swollen uvula after consuming alcohol. Another reason why a uvula may swell after alcohol is due to dehydration.

Read more on Swollen Uvula and Uvilitis