Uvula Angioedema

Angioedema is an annoying, sometimes painful, ugly looking and life-threatening disease. However, uvula angioedema can be the most frightening form. As you know angioedema is the swelling of your eyes, lips hands, feet etc. But in uvula angioedema, the swelling occurs on your uvula, surely the last place one would like to get swelled up.

Angioedema or Quincke edema is the rapid swelling of the human skin resulted by the swelling of dermis, sub-mucosal tissues and mucosa. Usually the swelling lasts a few hours and does not threaten the life of the patient. But in uvula angioedema you need prompt and high-quality medical treatment as it can cause blockage in the airway which can be fatal.

The uvula is the petite piece of fleshy tissues hanging down from the back portion of the soft palate in the humans' mouth.  It is evident from its appearance that it is very fragile and soft. It is composed of certain glands and muscular fibers. The key function of uvula is articulation of different sounds of speech. If you develop uvula angioedema, it is not your speech or sound that is affected but your life is at stake!

Uvula angioedema is an infrequent subtype of angioedema but it can be fatal. It requires without delay treatment and ongoing cautious monitoring of symptoms as the swelling may block the airway.

Usually, uvula angioedema is acute or hereditary. It can be caused by several diverse factors including inhalation exposure, hereditary angioedema, trauma, in reaction to certain drugs and some contagious causes. The type I hypersensitivity reaction is the typical cause of isolated uvular angioedema.

The typical treatment of uvula angioedema is carried out with epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. However, finding the causes and triggers can help in selecting the course of action. As this is an extremely dangerous disease, any treatment must be carried out after professional guidance.