The palatine uvula, usually referred to as simply the uvula, is a conic projection from the back edge of the middle of the soft palate, composed of connective tissue containing a number of racemose glands, and some muscular fibers.[1][2] It also contains many serous glands, which produce thin saliva.[3] It is only found in human beings.[4]
uvula
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The muscular part of the uvula (Latin: musculus uvulae) shortens and broadens the uvula. This changes the contour of the posterior part of the soft palate. This change in contour allows the soft palate to adapt closely to the posterior pharyngeal wall to help close the nasopharynx during swallowing.[5]
A bifid or bifurcated uvula is a split or cleft uvula. Newborns with cleft palate often also have a split uvula. The bifid uvula results from incomplete fusion of the palatine shelves but it is considered only a slight form of clefting. Bifid uvulas have less muscle in them than a normal uvula, which may cause recurring problems with middle ear infections. While swallowing, the soft palate is pushed backwards, preventing food and drink from entering the nasal cavity. If the soft palate cannot touch the back of the throat while swallowing, food and drink can enter the nasal cavity.[6] Splitting of the uvula occurs infrequently but is the most common form of mouth and nose area cleavage among newborns. Bifid uvula occurs in about 2% of the general population,[7] although some populations may have a high incidence, such as Native Americans who have a 10% rate.[8]
There are many theories about what causes the uvula to swell, including dehydration (e.g. from arid weather); excessive smoking or other inhaled irritants; snoring; allergic reaction; or a viral or bacterial infection. An aphthous ulcer which has formed on the uvula can also cause swelling and discomfort.[11]
If the swelling is caused by dehydration, drinking fluids may improve the condition. If the cause is a bacterial infection, gargling salt water may help. However, it can also be a sign of other problems. Some people with a history of recurring uvulitis carry an epinephrine autoinjector to counteract symptoms of an attack. A swollen uvula is not normally life-threatening and subsides in a short time, typically within a day.
In a small number of people, the uvula does not close properly against the back of the throat, causing a condition known as velopharyngeal insufficiency. This causes "nasal" (or more properly "hyper-nasal") speech, where extra air comes down the nose, and the speaker is unable to say certain consonants, such as pronouncing 'b' like 'm'.
During swallowing, the soft palate and the uvula move superiorly to close off the nasopharynx, preventing food from entering the nasal cavity. When this process fails, the result is called nasal regurgitation. It is common in people with VPI, the myositides, and neuromuscular disease. Regurgitation of fluids in this way may also occur if a particularly high volume of liquid is regurgitated, or during vigorous coughing, for example being caused by the accidental inhalation of water. Due to the action of coughing preventing the uvula from blocking the nasopharynx, liquid may be expelled back through the nose.
In some parts of Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea, the uvula or a section of it is ritually removed by a traditional healer.[13] In this case, the uvula may be noticeably shortened. It is not thought to contribute to velopharyngeal inadequacy, except in cases where the tonsils have also been removed.[14]
Your uvula is part of your soft palate (the back part of the roof of your mouth). This little flap of tissue hangs down near the back of your throat. You can see it if you open your mouth wide and look in a mirror.
Several different infections can cause uvulitis, including strep throat, the flu, mononucleosis and croup. But you can also get a swollen uvula from seasonal allergies. Chronic snoring can lead to uvulitis as well.
When the tip of your uvula is white, it could be due to uvular necrosis. This may happen after being intubated (having a tube placed down your throat) for surgery under general anesthesia. This issue usually resolves itself in a couple of weeks.
A deviated uvula is one that leans to one side or the other. This often occurs if certain cranial nerves are weakened. Sometimes, injury results in a deviated uvula. Interestingly, people with peritonsillar abscesses often notice that their uvula leans to the opposite side, away from the infected tonsil.
Most of the time, uvula treatments involve addressing swelling and inflammation. Treating the underlying cause is the most common approach. For example, if your uvula is swollen due to seasonal allergies, then antihistamines or steroids can help. If your uvula is swollen because of a bacterial infection, then antibiotics can play a role in reducing your symptoms.
People who undergo uvula removal (uvulectomy) have a sore throat for several days after the procedure. Some may experience throat dryness, difficulty swallowing or the sensation that something is stuck in their throat.
If you experience a swollen uvula, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. By treating the underlying cause of your swollen uvula, they can help you find relief faster. In the meantime, drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest and try using a humidifier to keep the room air moist.
Your uvula is a tiny little organ that can do some pretty amazing things. Most of the time, medication and rest can treat a swollen or irritated uvula. But if your uvula is doing more harm than good, your healthcare provider might recommend uvula removal. Even if you need to have your uvula removed, you can still live comfortably without it. To learn more about conditions and treatments related to your uvula, talk to your healthcare provider.
The palatine uvula, otherwise known as the uvula, is the teardrop-shaped piece of soft tissue that hangs down from the roof of your mouth. It is part of the soft palate. The uvula is made from small amounts of thin connective tissue, saliva-producing glands, and muscle tissue. When you eat, your soft palate and uvula are pushed backwards to prevent foods and liquids from going up your nose. It also prevents choking by triggering the gag reflex if large amounts of food or a large object is passed to the back of the throat.
Uvulitis occurs when the uvula becomes swollen, leading to a sore throat. There are several causes for a swollen uvula to include dehydration, smoking, allergic reaction, or from a virus or bacterial infection such as strep throat. Home remedies for a swollen uvula include hydration, Benadryl, and antibiotics in the case of a bacterial infection.
Nearly 50% of adults snore potentially causing poor sleep for both the person snoring and the bed partner. Some people need to have their uvula removed to treat snoring or some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When you sleep, your uvula vibrates. If you have an especially large or long uvula, it can vibrate enough to make you snore. In other cases, it can flap over your airway and block the airflow into your lungs, causing OSA. Removing the uvula can help prevent snoring. It may also help symptoms of OSA. Often, the uvula is partially removed as part of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). This is the main surgery used to clear the blockage in OSA. UPPP removes excess tissue from the uvula and soft palate.
Following the procedure, you might notice some swelling and rough edges around the surgical area for a few days. A white scab will form over the place where your uvula was removed. It should disappear in a week or two. Changes in swallowing or speech do not occur with uvulectomy.
It takes about three to four weeks to fully heal after an uvulectomy. But you will likely be able to go back to work or other activities within a day or two of the procedure.Uvula removal may be an option if you snore because of a very large uvula, or you have OSA that is mainly caused by an enlarged uvula. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and recovery is fairly quick. The physicians at Capital ENT and Sinus Center are specialty trained in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and can help decide of uvulectomy is an appropriate procedure to treat your disruptive snoring.
Laser-assisted uvula-palatoplasty (LAUP) is a new and effective surgical method for the elimination of habitual snoring. LAUP is safely performed under local anesthesia in the office, and it provides progressive enlargement of the oropharyngeal air space by reshaping and restructuring the uvula, soft palate, and pharyngeal pillars utilizing the CO2 laser with special attachments. LAUP can also reduce oropharyngeal obstruction that may occur during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Our experience includes over 335 patients evaluated and treated within the past year. Successive laser ablation of the vibrating structures, such as the uvula, soft palate, and posterior pharyngeal pillars, provided an 84% cure rate. In addition, 7% of the patients reported significant improvement in the loudness of their snore. The major advantage of this surgical technique is that it is a safe, simple, reliable, and bloodless procedure that can be performed in the office. This method and the results of its use are discussed.
Your uvula is made of connective tissue, glands, and small muscle fibers. It secretes large amounts of saliva that keep your throat moist and lubricated. It also helps keep food or fluids from ending up in the space behind your nose when you swallow.
Uvulitis is inflammation of the uvula. This is the small tongue-shaped tissue that hangs from the top of the back part of the mouth. Uvulitis is usually associated with inflammation of other mouth parts, such as the palate, tonsils, or throat (pharynx).
When you sleep, your uvula vibrates. If you have an especially large or long uvula, it can vibrate enough to make you snore. In other cases, it can flap over your airway and block the airflow into your lungs, causing OSA. Removing the uvula can help prevent snoring. It may help symptoms of OSA. 2ff7e9595c
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