Uvulitis: How to Care for Your Child

Uvulitis (yoo-vyuh-LIE-tiss) is when the uvula becomes inflamed. The uvula is the fleshy piece of tissue that hangs at the back of the throat. Inflammation (redness and swelling) happens because the body is responding to an infection or other illness. Kids usually feel uncomfortable for a few days. You can help your child feel better while uvulitis heals.

• If the health care provider prescribed medicine, give it as directed.

• Antibiotics treat uvulitis if it's caused by a bacterial infection. If your health care provider prescribed an antibiotic, be sure your child takes all of the doses. This is the best way to kill the harmful bacteria. 

• Encourage your child to drink lots of liquids and rest as needed.

• If swallowing solid food hurts, try serving liquids and soft foods like soups, milkshakes, smoothies, ice pops, or ice cream.

• You can give medicine for pain if your health care professional says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)

  • OR

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old.

• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen, as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

• If your child is 5 years or older and not at risk for choking, it might be soothing to suck on ice chips or hard candy.

Your child:

• can't take medicine as directed

• can't swallow any food or drinks

• has severe pain or pain that is getting worse

• has a fever that lasts longer than 3 days 

Your child:

• has trouble talking

• is making a high-pitched noise when breathing in (called stridor)

• has trouble breathing. Signs include the muscles between the ribs pulling in, the nose puffing out with each breath, or your child breathing faster than usual.

• is pale or bluish around the mouth

• appears dehydrated. Signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers).

What are the signs of uvulitis? Signs of uvulitis include: 

• drooling (because it hurts to swallow)

• repeated coughing 

• fever if uvulitis is caused by an infection 

• a feeling like something is stuck in the throat

• a sore throat

• a muffled voice

What causes uvulitis? Causes of uvulitis include:

• bacterial infections

• viral infections

• allergic reactions

• an injury or surgery inside the mouth or throat

• other medical conditions

Sometimes it's not clear what is causing uvulitis.

How is uvulitis treated when it's not caused by a bacterial infection? When uvulitis is caused by:

• A virus: Antibiotics don't work against viruses. Health care providers will recommend treatment for pain. 

• An allergy: Health care providers use medicines to treat the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

• An injury: Surgeons examine the throat and uvula and repair the injury if needed.