Inflamed uvula?

[NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN]

Anyone happen to know what an inflamed uvula could be caused by? I went to sleep fine, then woke up feeling like something was stuck in the back of my throat. Sort of a tickly, gaggy kind of feeling. I drank a sip of water, and the sip set off my gag reflex and I was just dry heaving all over the place.

I checked in the mirror with a penlight, and my tonsils look okay, no pustules (ie, as in strep throat), just a REALLY swollen uvula that is now touching the back of my tongue. What's up with THAT? When I swallow, the roof of my mouth just in front of the uvula is a little sore, also. Any thoughts?

I've had strep throat before, and mono, etc. Never had this problem, though. Before you ask, yes, I'll be going to the clinic if it doesn't go away or gets worse, and no, I don't expect you to diagnose me as I am fully aware that we are not doctors.

Just wondering if any of you have ever had this (or if your kids have had it) and what you thought. Thanks!

[bluenurse]

Get a strep screen.

[Shamrock, BSN, RN]

My brother-in-laws uvula swells up like that when he gets a hold of peanuts or some other nut. He has to go to ER. I mean it gets HUGE and blocks his airway. Have you developed an allergy to something?

[NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN]

Well, I don't know...as a matter of fact, I had been eating some peanuts right before I fell asleep. You know, mixed nuts? Like cashews, Brazil nuts, etc. I've NEVER had that problem before, but it's funny that you should mention that... I'll have to investigate. Strangely enough, hours later, my uvula isn't as swollen, but my throat is still hurting a bit like I said earlier. I have had strep many, many times, unfortunately, and I *always* get those little white pustules, which I don't currently have.

What happened to your brother was what I was *afraid* was going to happen to me- I mean, it was so swollen that when I spoke I sounded like...okay...hmm...have you ever been eating something REALLY sweet or rich, and you get that sugary kind of bubble in the back of your throat when you're talking? I sounded like that. (I really don't know if that makes a lick of sense, but that's the best way I can describe it...very odd sensation.)

Thanks for your suggestions- I'm feeling much better now, and praying that I don't get sick (lots of Vit C and saltwater gargles- yuck), and doing that typical nurse thing where I go about doing all within my power to avoid a visit to the doctor. Just in case, I'm staying away from the nuts.

And people, get a grip on yourselves and keep this conversation clean, alright? I know the temptation is great (I came up with a few good ones myself) but let's not go there.

[NHLPN, LPN]

Could just be viral, I'd get a strep screen to be sure though. The ones I have seen in family practice and I-med, usually are viral.

Do you sleep with central a/c or a fan directly on you? Could you have gotten really dry in the back of your throat?

[Shamrock, BSN, RN]

Gee NICU - you just took all the fun out of it!! ?

[nurse0977]

My husband's uvula was swollen--it took up the entire back of his throat. It was quite freakish, to be honest. I told him to go get a strep screen, and his doctor said he had uvula-itis (not sure if that would be uvulitis or uvulaitis). Anyway, it just went away on its own. I hope it helps you to know that someone else's uvula got really swollen without any other throat irritation. Let us know what your doctor says. Good Luck!:)

[NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN]

NHLPN- Well, we sleep with the a/c on VERY low, so that's a possibility, but we do that *every* night, so I'm not sure why that would happen all of a sudden like that. Definite possibility. Now, ten+ hours later, I feel fine. If it happens again, though, I'm going straight to the doctor, do not pass go. Once could just be a fluke, if it happens twice something's wrong. Thanks, all of you, for your help! I was pretty freaked out for a while there.

[memphispanda, RN]

Geesh...I read the title wrong the first time...thought it said vulva instead of uvula.

Anyway, my DH has a problem with his uvula getting inflamed and hugely swollen, laying on his tongue, etc. It happens several times a year to him now. He is on 6MP for Crohns disease and I think that contributes to his problems. Anyway, antibiotics have worked for it every time.

[nialloh, RN]

I have this problem a few times a year. My uvula is swollen and touching the back of my tongue. It is better after a few hours, but takes days to go away. I've been told that I snore at night, and on the night this happens, I am really bad. I have since found out I am apneic.

Snoring might or might not be a cause of the problem with your uvula, but is something to consider.

[sphinx, BSN, RN]

I had this once, and it turned out I had thrush! Started in the back of my throat and worked it's way up. A bad case too! But in my case I'd just had surgery, and the inflamed uvula may have been caused by the intubation and the thrush was just a coincidence! But keep an eye out for the creepy crawly white crud...eewwww!!!!

[PennyLane, RN]

This happens to my now-ex-boyfriend from time-to-time. Usually b/c he sleeps with his mouth open. It goes away on its own for him.