what to do when you see isolated uvular inflammation? antibiotics, steroids?
Answer ----------------------
Swelling or inflammation of the uvula can occur in a variety of clinical settings. Examples include infection (acute or chronic pharyngitis, especially tonsillitis); allergy or immunologically-mediated (anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema); gastroesophageal reflux; or trauma (post-surgical swelling from tonsillectomy, pressure from an endotracheal tube during general anesthesia, heroic snoring).
Isolated swelling and/or inflammation of the uvula can be seen without other findings although this is uncommon.
Obviously, medical intervention directed at the underlying cause, if it can be identified, is the treatment of choice. When the cause cannot be identified, and the symptom is merely bothersome to the patient but not serious, I would initially suggest a trial of an antihistamine. If this is unsuccessful, or if the uvular swelling causes more serious problems such as gagging, emesis, or especially airway problems, then I would recommend systemic steroids.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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