Uvulitis
Uvulitis is an inflammation of the uvula, which is the small piece of finger-shaped tissue that hangs down from the soft palate in the back of the throat. The uvula can usually be seen when a person opens his or her mouth wide.
Uvulitis is most often caused by an infection. Symptoms of uvulitis include swelling and redness of the uvula.
Home treatment for a sore throat may be all that is needed to relieve uvulitis. It may also go away without treatment.
How can you care for uvulitis?
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Gargle with warm salt water once an hour to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use 1 teaspoon of salt mixed in 1 cup of warm water.
- Try an over-the-counter throat spray to relieve throat pain.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids may help soothe your throat. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. Smoking can make your throat problem worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
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