The uvula, for those that are not yet familiar, is a small fleshy type of mass that hangs at the back of the soft palate. Many think it is there for no reason in particular but it serves a number of functions for the human body. Because of certain abuses or even because of infection, the uvula can swell.
Swollen Uvula Causes
A simple background information on the uvula:
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The uvula is made up of muscle and tissue.
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It helps with the person’s sound and speech articulation.
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It also “catches” microorganisms, pathogens, or allergens that can enter the oral cavity and cause illnesses for the digestive tract.
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The uvula is also responsible for closing the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity when a person swallows.
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The uvula is never removed unless a severe form of mouth cancer is detected.
Some causes for the uvula to become swollen include:
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Sleeping with the mouth open.
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Living in places with dry conditions or arid climates.
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Smoking or smokers
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Working or living in highly polluted areas.
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Snoring when sleeping.
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Extremely hot food or liquids
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Allergic reactions
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Acid reflux
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Tonsillitis
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Viral and bacterial infections
Swollen Uvula Home Remedy
The best thing about a swollen uvula is that it can respond quite well to home remedies.
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Gargle with lukewarm saline water. This mixture can be made by mixing a little salt to lukewarm water.
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Drinking turmeric water. This mixture can be made by adding a pinch of turmeric to a glass of ice cold water.
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Ice chips. Chew ice chips as long as the person can handle the cold.
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Chewing garlic. Chewing approximately 2-3 cloves twice in a day can help reduce the swelling of the uvula.
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Honey. Consuming honey regularly on a daily basis helps the uvula to recover at a much faster rate.
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Rehydrate. Drink plenty of water if dehydration is the cause for the swollen uvula.
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Modify diet. For as long as the uvula is swollen, the individual should eat a bland, soft or liquid diet at a temperature the individual can handle.
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Medications. Medications may only be indicated when the uvula is swollen due to an infection or if the swollen uvula does not respond to home treatment.