Causes of Uvulitis

Causes

The causes of uvulitis include bacterial and viral infections, such as strep throat, mononucleosis, or respiratory tract infections. The common cold is an easy way to develop an infection because a person’s nasal passages are typically blocked, leading them to breathe through their mouths.

Other causes of uvulitis may include:

• Allergies: Allergic reactions can triggera buildup of fluid in the throat or mouth, resulting in swelling. It can be the result of an allergic reaction to food or even an insect sting. Anaphylactic reactionor shock requires emergency medical treatment.
• Genetics: A cleft lip or cleft palate is a congenital trait that affects the roof of the mouth. This can cause the uvula to be enlarged, off place, split, shrunken, or even missing.
• Injury: Trauma to the back of the throat can irritate the uvula and cause swelling. For example, this can include injury from an endoscope or acid reflux.
• Smoking: Inhaling smoke can irritatethe sensitive tissues in the throat, including the uvula.
• Other chemicals: Similar to smoke, other pollutants such as radon, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds can also irritate the throat and result in uvular swelling.