The uvula is an important component of the human body. This organ is located in the larynx. It is easy to notice - it is a small process, shaped like a pear. It is responsible for performing the barrier function, which includes protecting the respiratory tract from food entering it by redistributing air and food flows.
However, a serious pathology may be associated with this small organ - its adherence to the tonsil. This phenomenon is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and, in some cases, can only be cured with surgery.
Principle of operation
Human anatomy in the first stages of its formation forced scientists to ask the question: why does a person need this appendage?
Some believed that it was an underdeveloped second language that we inherited from reptiles. Others, on the contrary, were inclined to think that its presence was useless, and in some cases it even interfered. One way or another, with the evolution of medicine, the importance of this pyriform process has been scientifically proven.
The principle of its operation explains all its importance: when food enters the oral cavity and moves further, a spasm of the throat occurs, during which the mechanism of the hyoid muscle is triggered, closing the trachea from food entering them.
In addition, the tongue also takes part in the reverse process. That is, when the regurgitation process occurs, he completely controls it, not allowing food to rise into the oral cavity.
Causes of enlarged uvula
A healthy tongue is so small that it is not felt at all.
You can see it only by opening your mouth wide in front of the mirror. The Latin name for the small organ is uvula, which is why the disease is called uvulitis.
The enlargement of the palatine process is caused primarily by an inflammatory reaction.
Less commonly, the organ swells due to allergies, trauma, temperature exposure, irritation with chemicals, tumor development and some other negative factors.
Inflammatory pathologies
Not all diseases of the respiratory system are accompanied by an enlargement of the uvula. Typically, the palatine process swells during an intense inflammatory reaction, involving large areas of tissue in the throat and oral cavity.
This pathological phenomenon is observed either with high activity and toxicity of pathogenic microorganisms that provoked the disease, or with a weakened immune system.
Swelling of the uvula is diagnosed in the following inflammatory pathologies:
- acute and chronic tonsillitis;
- rhinitis;
- pharyngitis;
- adenoiditis;
- paratonsillitis;
- retropharyngeal abscess;
- dental infections;
- stomatitis, gingivitis and other inflammatory processes of the oral cavity;
- diphtheria;
- mononucleosis;
- inflammation of the salivary glands;
- tuberculosis, syphilis, immunodeficiency virus and other internal infections.
In inflammatory diseases, the palatine process usually swells not sharply, but gradually. First, the main symptoms of the disease appear, and then an increase in the uvula is observed. A sick person has difficulty swallowing food. Due to swelling in the throat, pain and discomfort are noted.
Functions
The tongue performs such important functions as:
- Separation and redistribution of air and food flow.
- Preventing foreign objects from entering the respiratory tract, causing a spasm of the throat, narrowing its lumen.
- Participates in the formation of the gag reflex and cough.
- It divides the pharynx conditionally into two symmetrical parts; by its presence, one can determine the anatomical state of the tonsils and compare their sizes.
- Actively participates in heating air masses during mouth breathing.
- Helps to give tone to the voice by regulating air flows and their strength.
The many functions of this important organ suggest that it is necessary in the human body.
Drug therapy for uvulitis
If you can see that the tongue in your throat has increased, then you should immediately go to the doctor.
The medical specialist will prescribe the optimal treatment after determining the cause of the pathological phenomenon. In most cases, drug therapy for uvulitis is carried out.
The patient is prescribed both antibiotics and some other medications.
Medicines are prescribed only by a medical specialist . The doctor knows which medications will effectively cope with the pathology without causing harm to the body. Some patients do not consult a doctor, but only spray their sore throat with antiseptic sprays chosen at their own discretion. You can't do that. If treated incorrectly, uvulitis can cause serious complications.
In case of an allergic reaction, therapeutic measures are taken to relieve inflammation of the throat and relieve swelling of the palatal area.
Antihistamines are prescribed to help relieve allergy symptoms.
Also, if necessary, the doctor can prescribe glucocorticoids and diuretics.
If the soft palate is inflamed due to damage to the mucous membrane, then simple treatment procedures are prescribed. To restore the mucous membranes, it is enough to maintain oral hygiene and properly care for your teeth and gums. Swelling of the uvula associated with injury usually goes away after 1 to 3 days.
If uvulitis is a consequence of damage to the body by a viral or bacterial infection, then the use of antiviral or antibiotic medications is required.
In what cases does pathology occur?
The tongue, like any other organ, may have pathologies in the process of its formation and functioning. There are several types of the most common pathologies that limit the full functioning of the organ.
Inflammatory process
As a result of microbes, mainly staphylococci and streptococci, getting on the surface of the tonsils, there is a possibility of inflammation on the surface of the uvula. This is mainly observed in advanced stages of the development of the disease, when the inflammatory process takes on an extensive form, penetrating and completely affecting the blood.
A long-term lack of proper treatment leads to the fact that the uvula becomes covered with ulcers and trophic lesions, completely disrupting the blood supply to the organ. In this case, its work is reduced to a minimum, limiting the throat capacity and also causing pain.
Sticking to the tonsils
Situations often occur in which the tongue sticks to the tonsil.
The reason for this may be either an inflammatory process (mainly of a chronic type) or a congenital pathology.
Temporary partial adhesion does not cause much discomfort, limited to the sensation of a lump in the throat and pain when swallowing. In this case, appropriate treatment is prescribed, which includes inhalations, rinsing and irrigation of the mucous membrane.
Adhesion may be temporary but may involve complete fusion of soft tissue. This pathology is quite dangerous, since with a strong cough it can provoke bleeding. The problem can only be solved surgically, so if you discover such a symptom, you should definitely consult a doctor.
No tongue
This diagnosis is congenital and is very rare. It is quite difficult for such people to control the eating process.
Quite often, food particles can enter the nasopharynx, causing significant discomfort. But, there are many ways to eliminate this defect, and get used to living fully in such conditions, following only the doctor’s recommendations regarding the pathology.
What symptoms are found in this pathology?
According to doctors, the first thing that should cause concern is a greatly enlarged tonsil, which, due to its size, can even partially block the pharynx. The palatine process adheres or grows between the tonsils, on which inflamed veins can be seen. With this pathology, the throat itself turns red, and the voice becomes hoarse. There is pain when swallowing food and a sore throat. In addition, the patient begins to cough, especially in the morning.
There are cases when doctors also noted an elevated temperature in sick people.
We recommend reading the article Food gets stuck in the tonsils
Why can the tongue stick to the tonsil?
In fact, there can be a lot of reasons for this process: from anatomy to complex inflammatory processes. So, let's consider each of them, as well as the opportunity to avoid negative consequences.
Inflammation
The inflammatory process that occurs naturally on the tonsils, as a result of the virus entering the blood, makes the tonsils loose.
The amount of mucus produced increases several times. As a result of this, there is a possibility of the tongue sticking to the tonsil, which is eliminated on its own once the person has fully recovered.
Increased tongue size
There are cases when the tongue has an elongated shape, which makes it possible for it to constantly hit the tonsils in any order. When coughing or sharp sneezing, the tongue is able to independently change its location, relying not only on the outer walls of the tonsils, but also “falling” into the larynx.
This pathology causes a lot of discomfort, which can only be removed by surgery.
Therapeutic methods
If, as a result of sticking of the uvula, a sore throat appears during swallowing, the doctor will prescribe local treatment. Procedures related to rinsing, inhalation, and pharyngeal irrigation are carried out. Sprays are used that, when used, destroy bacteria and relieve inflammation.
If the sticking of the tongue was a consequence of tonsillitis, then local procedures must be combined with the use of antiviral drugs or even antibiotics. With proper treatment, improvement occurs quickly. To fix it, a good folk remedy is recommended - a warm drink of tea with honey and lemon. It is necessary to monitor your diet: during illness and treatment, do not eat spicy or salty foods, alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
Preparing for surgery
It is recommended to perform uvulopalatopharyngoplasty under general anesthesia, since the procedure is a complex surgical procedure. Only with the help of a laser (laser-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) can surgery be performed under local anesthesia. You should not eat or drink anything before the procedure if you have general anesthesia.
Anticoagulants (blood thinning medications), such as acetylsalicylic acid, should be stopped several days before surgery, in consultation with your doctor.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty - indications for surgery
- Sleep apnea syndrome is a life-threatening condition and is a direct indication for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
In addition, snoring and, as a consequence, sleep apnea are often the result of excess weight or chronic respiratory diseases. If this is the case, the patient is advised to address the underlying causes.
Contraindications for surgery
- In the presence of a nasopharyngeal infection, surgery is not recommended. Especially for diseases of the ear, nose and throat, such as ARVI, otitis media, sinusitis, etc.
Possible pathologies of the nasopharyngeal region should be more carefully diagnosed, since the main causes of snoring are adenoid hyperplasia, nasal polyps, chronic tonsillitis with hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils - for which surgical treatment is less invasive (especially with the endoscopic option).
Where in Moscow is surgery performed to treat snoring?
Unlike other medical institutions and specialists, the main technique for surgical treatment of snoring is a gentle, low-traumatic method. At the same time, the accuracy of the surgical impact on the tissue is achieved and the complications of the operation are minimized. It should also be noted that the recovery period for patients is shorter.
You can make an appointment or consultation using a special form or by calling Moscow medical institutions listed on the “Contacts” page. Sincerely, otorhinolaryngologist surgeon Ph.D. Boklin A.K.
Features of the operation
As already described, tissue removal from the roof of the mouth and throat is performed as a therapeutic measure for snoring. The procedure itself takes place in a lying position. The advantage of the method is the use of self-dissolving threads to stitch the wound area, so that they do not require subsequent removal. In general, the duration of the operation is on average up to 1 hour.
However, before using surgery for treatment, it should be checked whether conservative measures (non-operative treatment options) can improve existing symptoms.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty options
- Classical uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. In the classic version of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which is usually performed in combination with tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), a small strip of mucous membrane is first removed. The tissue to be removed is located between the anterior and posterior palatine arches. Once the removal is complete, the edges of the incision can be sutured, resulting in direct compression of the tissue. After suturing the edges of the incision, the tongue is partially removed. However, it should be noted that the back of the uvula should never be damaged, since localized receptors perform an important function in the pharyngeal closure mechanism during swallowing.
- Laser uvuloplasty. This method is a surgical option based on classic uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, mainly used in patients who have already undergone tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). In addition, this intervention is indicated for patients with non-enlarged tonsils.
After surgery, you should avoid spicy and solid foods for about two weeks. Local cooling with cold foods or drinks may minimize postoperative swelling. Painkillers are prescribed depending on the extent of the surgery.
