That hanging thing at the back of your throat has a name – it's your uvula! It can sometimes become swollen, causing difficulty in swallowing, or a tendency to gag or choke, and even drool in young children. There are a number of things that can cause your uvula to swell, including bacterial and viral infections, allergies, dry mouth, acid reflux, and even your genes. If you discover that your uvula is red or swollen, there are a few things you can do at home, such as gargling with warm water, sucking on throat lozenges, and chewing ice cubes to help ease your symptoms. If your symptoms don't get better or if you notice swelling of your child's uvula, see a doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Uvula Swelling
Step 1. Gargle with warm water and table salt
The warm water may feel soothing and the salt may draw the inflammation out of your uvula. Don't make the water too hot - this can burn your throat and cause more damage. Add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of table salt to 250 ml of water and mix until the salt dissolves.
You can gargle with warm salt water up to three times a day, just be careful not to swallow the salt water. Too much salt in your body causes other problems
Step 2. Suck on a throat lozenge
You can use any kind you like, but if you're really uncomfortable or have trouble swallowing, the kind of pastille that has anesthetic effects is best.
You can find sugar-free throat lozenges in stores – it's usually pretty clear on the front of the bag or box if lozenges are sugar-free. These are very good if you are feeling sick but have other health problems such as diabetes
Step 3. Drink hot tea and stay hydrated
The warm liquid can feel soothing to your throat and let you stay hydrated while you work on reducing the swelling. If you add a little honey to it, it can actually coat your throat, making it easier to swallow.
- Herbal teas are especially good for healing a sore throat. Chamomile tea with a little honey works well to relieve some of your pain.
- You can also try homemade cinnamon tea to give your throat relief. Mix 10 grams each of sticky elm bark and marshmallow root, 8 grams dried cinnamon pieces, 5 grams dried orange peel and 3 whole cloves in 700 ml water and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Strain out the herbs and add a little honey if you like. You must drink all the tea within 36 hours.
Step 4. Chew on ice cubes
The ice can reduce the swelling of your uvula a bit. And the cold in your throat can numb it a bit and make it easier to swallow.
Step 5. Go to the doctor
A swollen uvula can have many causes. Go to the doctor and tell him your full list of symptoms. He can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause.
Your doctor may need to do a swab of your throat to properly diagnose what's causing your uvula swelling. Relax your throat as much as possible – try not to get tense at all – and it should be fairly easy to get through
Step 6. Take antibiotics
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your swollen uvula is the result of an infection. Make sure to follow the directions in the recipe exactly. You should take the antibiotics at exactly the same time each day for the full recommended time to get rid of the infection completely.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing symptoms
Step 1. Check if you have trouble swallowing
If you have trouble swallowing, whether it's food, drink, or saliva, your uvula may be swollen. Try taking a few swallows to see if you're really struggling and it wasn't a little bit bigger food or drink than normal or something like that.
If you have trouble swallowing and breathing, see a doctor right away
Step 2. Notice if there is choking or gagging
If your uvula is swollen, you may choke or gag even if there's nothing in your throat. Because your uvula is at the back of your throat, some swelling may feel like you're gagging.
Step #3. Check for drooling
This is an especially important symptom to watch out for in small children who may not be able to tell how they are feeling. If you notice that your child is drooling more than usual, he may have a swollen uvula and you should seek medical attention right away.
Step 4. Take your temperature
A swollen uvula is usually caused by a bacterial infection and those types of infections are usually accompanied by a fever. If you're having trouble swallowing and you're choking or gagging, take your temperature to see if you have a fever. Normal temperatures vary from person to person, but anything more than one or two degrees above 37 degrees is a fever.
If you have a fever, go to the doctor right away. A fever can indicate that something much more serious is going on and a fever – even a mild one – in children can be very dangerous
Step 5. Watch for redness or swelling
If you suspect you have a swollen uvula, check it in the mirror. Stand in front of a mirror high enough to see your entire face or hold up a handheld mirror. Open your mouth as far as you can and look at your uvula – the drop-shaped piece of skin at the back of your throat. If it looks red or swollen, see a doctor.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing a swollen uvula
Step 1. Avoid alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can make your uvula swell. If you notice it swells up and goes down on its own, try reducing your alcohol intake.
If that doesn't work and your uvula continues to swell, see your doctor
Step 2. Quit smoking
Cigarette and cigar smoke can irritate and if you get a lot of it in your throat, it can make your uvula swell. If you have problems with a swollen uvula, stop smoking.
Step 3. Take allergy medication
Because a swollen uvula can be a sign of an allergic reaction, make sure you're taking the allergy medication you're supposed to be taking. If you have never been diagnosed with an allergy, but you notice that your uvula swells when you eat certain foods, see your doctor right away. Any food allergies that cause swelling in your throat should be treated right away as they can affect your ability to breathe.
Step 4. Treat acid reflux problems
If acid reflux is contributing to your swollen uvula, try to manage your symptoms. In addition to taking antacids if you feel a problem, try eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that trigger your reaction. If you're struggling to manage your acid reflux on your own, talk to your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan.