Swollen Uvula

A swollen uvula is swelling of the small piece of tissue that hangs at the back of the throat. A swollen uvula can feel like something is stuck in the throat and may cause gagging. Most cases are mild and improve within a day or two.

What Is It

Common causes include viral or strep throat infections, allergies, dry air, snoring, dehydration, alcohol, and irritation from very hot food or drink. Sudden swelling with other allergy symptoms can be part of a serious allergic reaction.

Symptoms

A feeling of something in the throat
Gagging or choking feeling
Sore throat
Trouble swallowing
Snoring
A red or larger uvula

Not sure what is causing it? A sore throat with fever and swollen tonsils is covered under sore throat. Swelling after a food, medicine, or sting may be an allergic reaction.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the throat and checks for infection or allergy. A rapid strep test may help. Treatment depends on the cause and may include allergy medicine, steroids, or antibiotics for strep.

At home:

Drink plenty of cool fluids
Suck on ice chips
Gargle with warm salt water
Avoid alcohol and very hot foods

Most swollen uvulas improve within 1 to 2 days.

When to Get Care for a Swollen Uvula

Watch at Home

Mild swelling after snoring or dry air
Able to swallow and breathe normally

Come to Urgent Care Today

A swollen uvula with fever or sore throat
Swelling lasting more than 2 days
Trouble swallowing food
Swelling that keeps coming back

Go to the Emergency Department

Trouble breathing or swallowing saliva
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Hives with throat tightness
Drooling or a muffled voice

FAQ

What causes a swollen uvula?

A swollen uvula is caused by throat infections, allergies, dry air, snoring, dehydration, alcohol, or irritation from hot food. Sudden swelling can be an allergic reaction.

How do you get rid of a swollen uvula?

A swollen uvula often improves with cool fluids, ice chips, salt water gargles, and rest. Treatment of the cause, such as strep or allergies, may be needed.

Can a swollen uvula go away on its own?

Yes, a swollen uvula from snoring, dry air, or a mild virus often goes away on its own within 1 to 2 days.

Why is my uvula swollen in the morning?

A swollen uvula in the morning is often from snoring, dry air, or dehydration overnight. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can help.

Can urgent care treat a swollen uvula?

Yes, urgent care can treat a swollen uvula. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the throat and check for strep or allergy. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a swollen uvula an emergency?

A swollen uvula is an emergency when you have trouble breathing or swallowing saliva, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.

Last reviewed October 2026