Why Is My Uvula Swollen And Red? What Causes It?
Microbial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, strep throat, or mononucleosis can cause uvulitis, thereby causing your uvula to become red and swollen.
It is very easy for those with a common cold to develop a swollen uvula as well. This is because those with blocked nasal passages often tend to breathe through their mouth, thereby increasing the chances of an inflamed uvula.
Other possible triggers of an inflamed and swollen uvula are:
- Genetics – Congenital disorders like a cleft lip or palate can cause uvula to become enlarged, off place, or even missing in some cases.
- Allergic reactions – Some allergies can cause fluid to build up in the throat or mouth. This may result in swelling of the uvula. Such reactions can be triggered by certain foods or even an insect bite.
- Dry mouth
- Acid reflux
Certain factors may also put an individual at a higher risk of developing a swollen uvula.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your chances of developing uvulitis are:
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Breathing in toxic air
- Any history of surgical intervention
- An injury to the throat or uvula
- Known allergies
- A weakened immune system
When your immune system is not able to get rid of a foreign particle that has entered your body, it can infect the uvula and cause inflammation.
Natural Remedies To Manage Uvulitis
1. Gargle With Warm Salt Water
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of table salt
- 1 glass of hot water
What You Have To Do
- Add a teaspoon of table salt to a glass of hot water.
- Mix well until the salt dissolves. Allow it to cool down.
- Gargle with the salt water for a few seconds.
- Spit it out.
- Repeat until you use up all of the mixture.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
Gargling to wash your throat is a common practice to prevent upper respiratory infections. Doing it daily can also help in treating a swollen uvula caused by such infections.
2. Hot Tea And Honey
You Will Need
- ½ – 1 teaspoon of your favorite tea powder
- 1 cup of water
- Honey
What You Have To Do
- Add half to one teaspoon of your favorite tea powder to a cup of water.
- Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
- Simmer for a minute or two and strain.
- Once the tea cools down a bit, add some honey to it.
- Drink the warm tea.
How Often You Should Do This
You can drink this 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
A warm cup of tea (or any hot drink) can help reduce the symptoms of a cough and throat infection. Adding honey to the tea increases its effectiveness. This can also help decrease the swelling of the uvula.
3. Ice Chips
You Will Need
A few ice chips made of distilled water
What You Have To Do
Suck on a few ice chips.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 1-2 times daily.
Why This Works
While there is no particular study to back this claim, according to anecdotal evidence, sucking on ice chips can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation of the uvula.
4. Holy Basil Leaves
You Will Need
- A handful of holy basil leaves
- A cup of water
What You Have To Do
- Bring a cup of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add a handful of holy basil leaves to it and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain and allow the tea to cool a bit.
- Drink it up.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this 1-2 times daily for best results.
Why This Works
Holy basil (tulsi) exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may thus help combat infections causing the condition and alleviate the symptoms of uvulitis.
5. Garlic
You Will Need
1-2 cloves of peeled garlic
What You Have To Do
- Chew on one to two peeled garlic cloves.
- If the flavor is too strong for your liking, you can add minced garlic to your favorite salads and dishes.
How Often You Should Do This
You may do this once daily for best results.