What Causes a Swollen Uvula?

The uvula is a bell-shaped organ that hangs from the roof of the throat (the soft palate). The function of the uvula is not well understood, though some researchers believe it is a marker of human evolution. But the uvula, which plays a role in speech and is capable of producing saliva, is composed of several types of tissue, including both muscular and glandular.
In short, the uvula can be regarded as a ‘screening mechanism’ for anything that enters our throat. Also, it is responsible for acting as a barrier for bacteria or other microorganisms that may enter the body through the digestive tract. A swollen uvula could be caused due to many reasons, and the affected person experiences great difficulty in swallowing food and in voice modulating.

What Causes a Swollen Uvula?

A swollen uvula can cause concern to the person experiencing this symptom, but this is actually a common symptom that often requires little to no medical intervention. There are alot of causes of a swollen uvula include dehydration, open your mouth when sleeping, snoring. Infections, mouth ulcers, or drinking too much alcohol consumption may also lead to the development of a swollen uvula.

Swollen Uvula Infections

Infections are always of common causes of a swollen uvula. Many infections may be caused by viruses and bacteria. Bacterial infections are typically treated with prescription antibiotics by doctor, while viral infections are frequently left to run their course, although antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases of swollen uvula.

Here is clip some picture Swollen Uvula:

There are various reasons, which can cause uvula swelling. It can be due to common cold, viral or bacterial infection, some allergy, acid reflux, exposure to extremely cold or hot foods, inflammation of other mouth parts. Severe dehydration is one of the most swollen uvula causes. In other reasons, there are snoring and excessive smoking or alcohol consumption. A canker sore or mouth ulcer near the uvula can also lead to inflammation of the organ. In some other cases of uvula swelling, the organ may expand up to 3-5 times of its normal size. The person who affected may find it difficult to eat, talk and also breath. Read more on uvula infection.
Hot foods or beverages may sometimes burn the uvula and lead to swelling. As the burned tissue begins to heal, the swelling should go down. Alcohol abuse has been known to cause the uvula to swell in some people. Limiting or discontinuing alcohol use will typically reduce the swelling. 

In most cases, a swollen uvula is not a reason to be overly concerned. Some causes of this type of swelling require the use of prescription medications, and it is always wise to rule out any severe medical issues.

Article Source