Why Do I Wake up with a Swollen Uvula?
- Posted on: May 15 2018
- View all 12 responses
Patients present to our office frequently reporting mornings where their uvula is severely swollen. The uvula is the little hanging structure in the back of the throat. It is essentially an extension of the soft palate. The patient will typically report that this occurred after a night of severe snoring. It can cause choking and be painful and may make it difficult to swallow.
Reasons for Swollen Uvula
The reason this occurs is because of nasal congestion. Breathing at night through a congested nose actually makes the velocity and turbulence of the air increase. This is a physics principle called the Bernoulli effect. The rapid and turbulent air reaches the back of the patient’s nose and enters the back of the throat where the uvula hangs. The rapid air creates a suction current as it passes the uvula. This suction current will pull on the uvula and stretch it creating swelling. The more swollen it gets the louder the snoring.
The suction current can also pull the tongue back in to the throat creating sleep apnea. The bed partner might notice the loud and annoying snoring is interrupted followed by a large gasp or resumption of loud snoring.
Balloon Sinuplasty can Help
The good news is that this issue can be easily corrected by a simple office procedure. Our advanced balloon sinuplasty procedure done in the office under IV sedation can make the nasal airway beautifully open at night to resolve this issue. And our special uvulaplasty can be performed to shorten and stiffen the uvula as well.
Schedule a Consultation
If you suffer from snoring and a swollen uvula, come for a consultation. Call our office at 512.601.0303 and get relief today.
Tagged with: Snoring, swollen uvula
Posted in: Balloon Sinuplasty, Sinus and Nasal
Responses:
We have been looking and seeking for a specialist or treatment to resolve snoring. My fiance’s snoring is unique and I’ve noticed that his uvula is excessively swollen. I have done a lot of research on snoring and allergies and we found that there are few physicians who specialize in snoring. We live in AZ, but would love to speak with someone and are willing to travel.
Comment by Cynthia Smith on November 20, 2019 at 2:44 am
Hi Cynthia, your response to this blog got stuck in SPAM. I’m so sorry about that. If your fiance (maybe husband now?) is still experiencing issues, we would be happy to assist. We have many patients that travel from long distances to get care by Dr. Slaughter. Please give us a call – 512-601-0303. Thanks!
Sangita
Comment by Sinus & Snoring Specialists on September 21, 2020 at 8:49 pm
I woke up wit an EXTREMELY dry throat an now it feels like my throat is closing up!!
Comment by Veronica Nelson on February 21, 2021 at 6:39 pm
We are happy to help you. If you are still experiencing these issues, please give our office a call. 512-601-0303.
Comment by Sinus & Snoring Specialists on February 25, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Hello about 2-3 times a month my uvula will be swollen /extra long and it touches my tongue or something and causes me to gag until the selling goes down! How can I prevent this?
Comment by Bernie jett on December 18, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Balloon Sinuplasty open the nasal airway and resolve the issue. Uvulaplasty can shorten and stiffen the uvula as well. Please call us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Slaughter. 512-601-0303
Comment by Sinus & Snoring Specialists on January 21, 2022 at 8:02 pm
I am experiencing hard time to stay asleep severe snoring even before sleeping,, throat swollen and pain with dry mouth and sometimes have acid reflux. I can only lay down on my side, Everyday I feel tired. I really need some help.
Comment by Rickiecia Murray on February 11, 2022 at 4:03 am
Hello, we are happy to help. Please give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Slaughter. 512-601-0303
Comment by Sinus & Snoring Specialists on July 25, 2022 at 10:01 pm
I /my girlfriend has a problem with my snoring. I’ve had corrective rhinoplasty for unrelated issues and thought that might have helped, but unfortunately hasn’t. I have a stenosis job, and usually sleep with in seconds of
Lying down, even snoring while semi conscious. Any advice would help us both. Mark
Comment by Anthony wokes on September 10, 2022 at 12:34 am
Hello Anthony, A rhinoplasty corrects the outside of the nose, not the inside, so that procedure would not help your situation. Please call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Slaughter to determine the cause of your snoring. We can then present treatment options – 512-601-0303. We look forward to seeing you!
Comment by Sinus & Snoring Specialists on December 7, 2022 at 1:59 am
What is recovery time from surgery?
Comment by Troy Burke on March 7, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Most patients can return to work the next day. There is essentially no downtime for balloon sinuplasty.
Comment by Sinus & Snoring Specialists on March 30, 2023 at 1:48 pm